Streamlined flat windscreen wiper

ABSTRACT

A streamlined flat windscreen wiper for a vehicle is disclosed. The flat wiper includes a longitudinal wiper blade, at least one longitudinal stiffening member, a longitudinal member for retaining the wiper blade and the stiffening member, a longitudinal streamlined portion comprising two terminal caps and a central mounting extending between the terminal caps and being connected thereto. The mounting includes means for fixing to the stiffening member or to the member for retaining the stiffening member, and each cap includes means for guiding in translation terminal parts of the member.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates, in particular, to a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper.

PRIOR ART

Typically, a windscreen wiper for a window such as the windscreen of amotor vehicle comprises, in particular, a wiper blade which is generallymade of rubber and designed to rub against the window of the vehicle toremove water by driving it outside the field of vision of the driver.The wiper is carried by an arm which is driven by a motor in an angularreciprocal movement.

Two windscreen wiper technologies are known, in particular, one wipertechnology using a swinging linkage in the form of articulated bracketswhich hold the wiper blade in a plurality of discrete positions and afurther technology using a flat wiper (from the English “flat blade”) inthe form of a semi-rigid assembly which holds the wiper blade over theentire length thereof.

In both solutions, the wiper is attached to the rotating windscreenwiper arm by an assembly consisting of a mechanical connector and anadapter. The connector is a part which is fixed directly to thestructure of the wiper or directly to the flat wiper, the adapter beingan intermediate part which permits the fixing of the connector to thearm of the windscreen wiper. These two parts are connected together by atransverse pin which permits the relative rotation thereof.

Wiper technology based on swinging linkages is well known by the personskilled in the art. The application FR-A1-2 681 028 of the Applicantdiscloses, for example, a windscreen wiper having asymmetrical swinginglinkages. A wiper having swinging linkages has the advantage of thewiper blade being applied against the window of the vehicle with apressure which is relatively uniform over the entire length of thewiper. However, this technology has drawbacks such as, in particular,the space requirement thereof.

Flat wiper technology is also well known to the person skilled in theart. In this case, the wiper is provided with at least one longitudinalstiffening member which stiffens the wiper blade, so as to promote theapplication of this blade onto the window of the vehicle. Thisstiffening member is curved and the curvature thereof enables the bladeto be held flattened against the window, even at the longitudinal endsof the wiper.

It has already been proposed to streamline a windscreen wiper in orderto optimize, in particular, the aerodynamics thereof. It is thus knownto provide a wiper having swinging linkages with a streamlined portion.

The Applicant has sought to improve a flat windscreen wiper by providingsaid wiper with a streamlined portion and thus proposes a streamlinedflat windscreen wiper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the present application, a flat blade means a blade notablycomprising at least one curving stiffening member or spline. Thiscurving stiffening member is a means of spreading a load over the lengthof the wiper, such a load being generated by the wiper drive arm so asto press the wiper firmly against the surface that is to be wiped.

A streamlined flat wiper means a flat wiper, for example as mentionedhereinabove, provided with a streamlined portion. A streamlined portionmeans generally profiled external equipment. Such a streamlined portioncovers widthwise and lengthwise the structure of the flat wiper.

The invention has several embodiments, the features thereof naturallybeing able to be combined with one another.

According to a first embodiment, the invention proposes an end piece fora streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,comprising a first housing which is configured to receive one end of astiffening member of the wiper, characterized in that it comprises overat least one of its external faces at least one protruding stop which isconfigured to cooperate with a terminal cap of the wiper.

This is particularly useful in the case where the terminal cap is liableto be displaced relative to the flat wiper, and in particular relativeto the end piece of the flat wiper. The displacement path of theterminal cap relative to the end piece is thus limited by stopsprotruding from the end piece.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the end piece comprises two substantially parallel lateral        external faces connected together by an upper external face,    -   the upper external face comprises a protruding stop,    -   at least one of the lateral external faces comprises a        protruding stop,    -   the or each stop has a bearing face oriented in a direction        which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the        end piece,    -   the or each stop comprises an inclined part forming a ramp which        is configured to cooperate with said terminal cap,    -   the first housing has an elongated shape and comprises an open        longitudinal end for the engagement of the end of the stiffening        member in said housing, and a closed longitudinal end,    -   the end piece comprises a second housing which is configured to        receive one end of a wiper blade of the wiper and/or a third        housing which is configured to receive one end of a member for        retaining said blade.

The invention also proposes a terminal cap for a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, said cap having agenerally elongated shape and comprising at one longitudinal end twosubstantially parallel lateral flanges defining relative to one anothera space which is configured to receive an end piece of the wiper,characterized in that it comprises at least one protruding stop which isconfigured to cooperate with said end piece.

It should be noted that the streamlined portion, and in particular thecentral mounting and its terminal caps is a rigid element, this meansthat a such element does not need another wiper blade's structureelement to keep the shape, contrary to the rubber blade itself, thatneeds it.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the lateral flanges comprise substantially parallel internal        faces, at least one of said internal faces comprising a        protruding stop,    -   said longitudinal end comprises a transverse flange for        connecting said lateral flanges, said transverse flange defining        a protruding stop,    -   the or each stop has a bearing face oriented in a direction        substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cap,    -   the or each stop comprises an inclined part forming a ramp which        is configured to cooperate with the end piece.

The invention also proposes an assembly comprising an end piece and aterminal cap as disclosed above.

The invention also proposes a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising an end piece and/or a terminal capas disclosed above.

According to a second embodiment, the invention relates to an assemblycomprising a central mounting and a terminal cap for a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, the mounting comprisingmeans for fixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to a member forretaining said stiffening member, the central mounting forming oneelement and the terminal cap forming a further element, one of saidelements bearing the means for articulation of the other of saidelements about at least one pin, characterized in that said elementscomprise protruding stops which are configured to cooperate together andto define an extreme pivoting position of the elements relative to oneanother about said pin.

The central mounting of the streamlined portion may be incorporated in aconnector of the prior art since it comprises means for fixing to theflat wiper, and, in particular, to its stiffening member or to itsmember for retaining. The mounting and the end piece are articulated andmay pivot relative to one another. The protruding stops enable theangular displacement to be limited and accurately define an extremepivoting position.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures may also be combined with one or more other features of one ormore other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   a first of the elements comprises a protruding finger which is        articulated relative to a second of the elements,    -   the finger carries a pivot pin or comprises an orifice traversed        by a pivot pin,    -   the pivot pin is defined by journals carried by the finger and        housed at least partially in recesses of said second element, or        carried by the second element and housed at least partially in        recesses or a through-orifice of the finger,    -   the finger comprises a free end forming one of said stops,    -   the free end of the finger comprises at least one chamfer        defining a stop face,    -   the finger has a substantially parallelepipedal elongated shape        and comprises an upper longitudinal face which is substantially        parallel to said pin and on which is formed at least one of said        stops,    -   the second element comprises at least two lateral longitudinal        walls defining relative to one another a space which is        configured to receive said finger, at least one of said walls        comprising at least one of said stops which extends in said        space,    -   the or one stop of the second element is formed by a        longitudinal or transverse rib,    -   one longitudinal edge of a first of said longitudinal walls of        the second element is connected to a longitudinal edge of a        second of the longitudinal walls of the second element so that        the second element has a substantially dihedral shape,    -   the or one stop extends in said space from a connecting area of        said longitudinal walls,    -   the or one stop of the second element comprises a free edge or a        chamfered free end defining a bearing face,    -   said first element is the central mounting and said second        element is the terminal cap,    -   at least one of said elements comprises or forms an air baffle,        that is to say an aerodynamic baffle, also called spoiler

The invention further proposes a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising an assembly as disclosed above.

According to a third embodiment, the invention relates to a centralmounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, comprising means for fixing to a stiffening member of the wiperor to a member for retaining said stiffening member, and an aperturewhich is configured to receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to adrive arm of said wiper, said aperture having an elongated shape andextending between two longitudinal lateral walls, between which extendsa transverse pin for the resilient clipping and articulation of theadapter, characterized in that the aperture is configured to permit themounting of the adapter and the clipping thereof to said pin in a firstposition in which a first longitudinal end of the adapter is orientedtoward a first longitudinal end of the aperture, and in a secondposition in which said first longitudinal end of the adapter is orientedtoward a second opposing longitudinal end of the aperture.

As in the prior art, the wiper is designed to be provided with anadapter for connecting the arm to the wiper and, in particular, to themounting of the wiper which forms a connector, as disclosed above. Theinvention is particularly advantageous here as it permits the mountingof the adapter in either direction in the aperture of the mounting. Itis thus conceivable to mount the same type of wiper on the two wiperarms of a vehicle windscreen.

In the present application, “resilient clipping” is understood asresilient interlocking, also called dipping.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the aperture has a symmetry relative to a central longitudinal        plane,    -   the aperture has a symmetry relative to a central transverse        plane,    -   said longitudinal lateral walls comprise on the internal faces        notches or recesses for receiving and displacing portions of the        adapter,    -   the mounting comprises an aerodynamic baffle,    -   the mounting has an elongated shape and comprises at each of its        longitudinal ends means for articulation on a terminal cap of        the wiper,    -   the means for fixing comprise at least one pair of lateral hooks        extending spaced apart from one another and each defining a        longitudinal notch which is configured to receive said        stiffening member by longitudinal sliding,    -   the fixing means comprise two pairs of hooks which are axially        spaced apart from one another,    -   a transverse plane passing through said pin passes substantially        between the two pairs of hooks and is equidistant therefrom.

The invention further proposes an assembly comprising a central mountingas disclosed above and an adapter for connecting to a drive arm of thewiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the adapter comprises two lateral flanges which are        substantially parallel and connected together by a central        portion defining a cylindrical housing for receiving the        mounting pin by resilient clipping,    -   at least one of said lateral flanges of the adapter comprises a        lug oriented on the side opposing the other lateral flange and        designed to be housed in a notch or recess of the mounting.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a central mounting or an assemblyas disclosed above.

According to a fourth embodiment, the invention relates to an assemblycomprising a central mounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper,in particular for a vehicle, and an adapter for connecting the wiper toa drive arm of said wiper, the mounting comprising means for fixing to astiffening member of the wiper or to a member for retaining saidstiffening member, the mounting further comprising an aperture forhousing said adapter, said aperture having an elongated shape andextending between two longitudinal lateral walls of the mounting,between which extends a transverse pin for the articulation of theadapter, the adapter having a generally elongated shape and comprisingtwo longitudinal lateral flanges connected together by a central portiondefining a cylindrical housing for receiving the pin by resilientclipping, characterized in that, in the mounted position, a firstcircumference centred on said pin and passing substantially through afirst longitudinal end of the adapter has a maximum radius which is lessthan a minimum radius of a second circumference centred on said pin andpassing substantially through the means for fixing the mounting.

This makes it possible to increase the angular displacement of theadapter about the transverse pin. More specifically, the end of theadapter is designed not to be able to come into abutment against themeans for fixing the mounting, during the rotation of the adapter aboutthe base.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention;

-   -   the maximum radius ranges between 10 and 20 mm, preferably        between 12 and 18 mm, and more preferably between 14 and 16 mm,    -   the minimum radius is greater by at least 1 mm than the maximum        radius,    -   the means for fixing comprise at least one pair of lateral hooks        extending spaced apart from one another and each comprising a        longitudinal notch which is configured to receive said        stiffening member by longitudinal sliding,    -   the means for fixing comprise two pairs of hooks which are        axially spaced apart from one another,    -   a transverse plane passing through said pin passes substantially        between the two pairs of hooks and is equidistant therefrom,    -   the adapter comprises, in the region of its second longitudinal        end, a lateral stop lug which is configured to cooperate with        the mounting and to define an extreme pivoting position of the        adapter relative to the mounting about said pin,    -   said aperture is symmetrical relative to a central longitudinal        plane,    -   said aperture is symmetrical relative to a central transverse        plane,    -   said longitudinal lateral walls comprise, on the internal faces,        notches or recesses for receiving and displacing at least one        lug of the adapter,    -   the mounting comprises an aerodynamic baffle,    -   the mounting has an elongated shape and comprises at each of its        longitudinal ends means for articulation on a terminal cap of        the wiper.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising an assembly as disclosed above.

According to a fifth embodiment, the invention relates to a terminal capfor a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,comprising means for slidable guiding which are configured to cooperatewith a longitudinal member for retaining a wiper blade of the wiper,characterized in that said means for guiding comprise two substantiallyL-shaped lateral hooks, which are configured to extend on each side ofsaid member, each hook comprising a substantially vertical part, thelower end thereof being connected to a substantially horizontal partextending on the side of the other hook, and the vertical part of atleast one of said hooks comprising means for bearing at regularintervals against said member. In this aspect of the invention, thelongitudinal retaining member could be one or more stiffening members,also called spline, belonging to the wiper.

The bearing of the hooks at regular intervals against the member enablesthe friction to be limited and the guidance of the member to beoptimized. They may also permit the problem of manufacturing tolerancesin the parts to be avoided.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the vertical parts of the two hooks comprise means for bearing        at regular intervals against said member,    -   the vertical part of the or each hook comprises a lug, the free        end thereof being configured to cooperate with said member,    -   the lug or each lug has a generally rounded shape,    -   the lug is substantially located in the centre of the vertical        part of the or each hook,    -   the upper ends of the vertical parts of the hooks are connected        together by an upper wall comprising means for bearing at        regular intervals against said member,    -   the means for bearing at regular intervals of the upper wall        comprise at least one lug,    -   the lug of the upper wall has a generally rounded shape,    -   the lug is located substantially in the centre of the upper        wall,    -   the hooks, and possibly said upper wall, are defined by a        transverse wall of the cap,    -   the cap has a substantially dihedral shape in section and        comprises two longitudinal walls which are connected together        and define relative to one another a housing for mounting said        member,    -   the transverse wall connects the two longitudinal walls of the        cap,    -   the transverse wall is a stiffening wall of the cap.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a cap asdisclosed above and a member for retaining a wiper blade which isslidably mounted between the hooks of the cap.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a cap as disclosed above.

According to a sixth embodiment, the invention relates to a centralcapped mounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particularfor a vehicle, having an aperture which is configured to receive anadapter for connecting the wiper to a drive arm of said wiper, theaperture having an elongated shape, characterized in that it comprisesat least one capping for the partial closing of said aperture which isdetachably fixed to the mounting.

In the present application, a “capping” is understood as an elementwhich defines a generally profiled external face and which may be usedto seal an aperture, for example.

In the aforementioned case, the capping enables the aperture of themounting to be closed and the appearance and the aerodynamics thereof tobe improved. It is thus conceivable to provide an aperture of largedimensions in the mounting, for example to facilitate the mounting ofthe adapter, without otherwise impairing the appearance or theaerodynamics of the wiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the mounting comprises two cappings for closing the aperture,    -   a first capping is configured to seal a longitudinal end part of        the aperture and a second capping is configured to seal an        opposing longitudinal end part of the aperture,    -   the or each capping is fixed to the mounting by resilient        clipping or interlocking,    -   the or each capping comprises at least one tab which is        configured to cooperate by interlocking with a recess having a        shape which is substantially complementary to the mounting,    -   the or each capping comprises at least one resiliently        deformable hook which is configured to cooperate by resilient        clipping with a complementary means of the mounting,    -   the or at least one capping is pivotably mounted about a pin        carried by the mounting,    -   the or each pin is located in the vicinity of a longitudinal end        of the aperture,    -   the or each capping comprises means for resilient clipping to        the corresponding pin,    -   the or each capping comprises means for retaining by abutment        which are configured to cooperate with said adapter,    -   the or each capping comprises a non-planar external face,    -   said aperture has an elongated shape and extends between two        longitudinal lateral walls of the mounting, a transverse pin        extending therebetween for the articulation of the adapter,    -   the mounting has an elongated shape and comprises at each of its        longitudinal ends means for articulation on a terminal cap of        the wiper,    -   the mounting comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member        of the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening        member.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting as disclosed above.

According to a seventh embodiment, the invention relates to a centralmounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, comprising an aperture which is configured to receive anadapter for connecting the wiper to a drive arm of said wiper, theaperture having an elongated shape and extending between twolongitudinal lateral walls of the mounting, characterized in that thelateral walls are connected together by removable means for connectingand stiffening.

The means for connecting extend between the lateral walls of themounting and stiffen said mounting. The means for connecting, however,may hinder the mounting of the adapter in the aperture. According to theinvention, said means for connecting are removable and may be removedtemporarily or permanently, for example, so as to facilitate themounting of the adapter.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the means for connecting and stiffening are able to be broken,        cut off or dismantled,    -   the means for connecting and stiffening comprise at least one        crossmember,    -   the or each crossmember has an elongated bar shape,    -   the or each crossmember is shaped by a material bridge,    -   the or each crossmember comprises at least one weakened portion,    -   the means for connecting and stiffening comprise two        crossmembers which are arranged symmetrically relative to a        transverse plane passing substantially through the centre of the        slot,    -   the mounting has an elongated shape and comprises at each of its        longitudinal ends means for articulation on an end cap of the        wiper,    -   the mounting comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member        of the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening        member,    -   said aperture has an elongated shape and extends between two        longitudinal lateral walls of the mounting, a transverse pin        extending therebetween for articulation of the adapter,    -   said aperture comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        transverse pin for mounting a capping for partial closing of the        aperture.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting as disclosed above.

The invention further relates to a method for mounting a wiper asdisclosed above, characterized in that it comprises a step consisting inremoving at least one of the means for connecting and stiffening fromthe mounting before mounting the adapter in the aperture thereof.

According to an eighth embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined portion for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising two terminal caps and a centralmounting which is located between the two terminal caps and whichcomprises means for fixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to amember for retaining said stiffening member, the mounting furthercomprising an aperture which is configured to receive an adapter forconnecting the wiper to a drive arm of said wiper, characterized in thatthe caps are connected to the mounting by means for connecting whichprevent any displacement of the caps relative to the mounting.

For some wipers, such as short wipers, it may detrimental to haveterminal caps which are mobile relative to the central mounting. Theinvention enables this problem to be resolved by preventing anydisplacement of the caps relative to the mounting.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the means for connecting the mounting to each cap comprise means        for articulation,    -   each cap is connected by a pivot pin to a longitudinal end of        the mounting,    -   each cap comprises at least one stop which is configured to        prevent any rotation of the cap relative to the mounting about        said pin,    -   said at least one stop is configured to cooperate with a finger        protruding from the mounting,    -   said finger carries said pin or comprises an orifice traversed        by said pin,    -   the mounting and/or each terminal cap comprises or forms an        aerodynamic baffle,    -   the mounting and/or each terminal cap has in cross section a        substantially dihedral shape on at least one part of its        longitudinal dimension,    -   the mounting comprises an aperture which is configured to        receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to a drive arm of        said wiper.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a streamlined portion as disclosedabove.

According to a ninth embodiment, the invention relates to a streamlinedportion for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, comprising two terminal caps and a central mounting which islocated between the two terminal caps and which comprises means forfixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to a member for retainingsaid stiffening member, the mounting further comprising an aperturewhich is configured to receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to adrive arm of said wiper, characterized in that the caps are produced inone piece with the mounting. In order to stiffen the central mountingand the terminal caps forming a single piece, this embodiment comprisesat least one stiffening rib that may take the form of a crossbar and/orof a strip of extension perpendicular or substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal lateral walls concerned.

This permits, in particular, the manufacture of the streamlined portionto be simplified.

According to one embodiment, the streamlined portion thus produced has alength ranging between 250 mm and 350 mm, and preferably of 300 mm.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the streamlined portion comprises at least one defining mark        extending between the mounting and each cap,    -   said at least one defining mark comprises a groove,    -   the mounting and/or each terminal cap comprises or forms an        aerodynamic baffle,    -   the mounting and/or each terminal cap has in cross section a        substantially dihedral shape over at least one part of its        longitudinal dimension,    -   the mounting comprises an aperture which is configured to        receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to a drive arm of        said wiper,    -   the streamlined portion comprises means for guiding in        translation a member for retaining the wiper blade and/or a        stiffening member.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a streamlined portion as disclosedabove.

According to a tenth embodiment, the invention relates to a centralmounting for streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, the mounting having an elongated shape and comprising at eachof its longitudinal ends means for connecting to a terminal cap of thewiper, the mounting further comprising means for fixing to a stiffeningmember of the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening member,characterized in that it further comprises or forms an aerodynamicbaffle.

The aerodynamic baffle forms an air intake and during use enables thewiper to be maintained in the bearing position against the windscreen.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the fixing means are formed on the central mounting between the        two connecting means,    -   in such a case, the fixing means are formed equidistant from the        two connecting means,    -   the fixing means are formed in line with an aperture made in an        upper face of the central mounting, such an aperture being        intended notably to receive at least an adapter for connection        to an arm. “In line with the aperture” means that the fixing        means are formed on the central mounting between a first plane        passing through a first longitudinal end of the aperture and a        second plane passing through a second longitudinal end of the        aperture,    -   the connection means to the central mounting are positioned        inside a dihedron formed by longitudinal walls of the terminal        cap,    -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        protruding finger carrying a pivot pin or comprising an orifice        which is configured to be traversed by a pivot pin,    -   the finger protruding from the longitudinal end of the central        mounting forms one embodiment of a means of connection mentioned        in this text,    -   the mounting comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, one        longitudinal edge of a first of said walls being connected to a        longitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as to form        substantially a dihedron at least in the region of the        longitudinal ends of the mounting,    -   each finger extends from a transverse wall for connecting said        longitudinal lateral walls,    -   each finger has an axis of elongation which extends in a        longitudinal plane which is substantially perpendicular to said        corresponding pivot pin and which passes substantially through        said longitudinal edges,    -   each finger has a generally substantially parallelepipedal        shape,    -   the mounting further comprises an aperture which is configured        to receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to a drive arm of        said wiper, said axis of elongation of each finger being        substantially parallel and spaced apart from a central        longitudinal plane of the aperture.

The invention further relates to a terminal cap for a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, the cap having anelongated shape and comprising at at least one of its longitudinal endsmeans for connecting to a central mounting of the wiper, characterizedin that it further comprises or forms an aerodynamic baffle.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   said longitudinal end carries a pivot pin or comprises at least        one orifice which is configured to receive a pivot pin,    -   the cap comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, one        longitudinal edge of a first of said walls being connected to a        longitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as to form        substantially a dihedron,    -   said pin or said orifice is carried by or is formed on at least        one reinforcement of at least one of said longitudinal lateral        walls.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a mounting and acap as disclosed above.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting and/or a cap asdisclosed above.

According to an eleventh embodiment, the invention relates to a centralmounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, the mounting having an elongated shape and comprising at eachof its longitudinal ends means for connecting to a terminal cap of thewiper, the mounting further comprising means for fixing to a stiffeningmember of the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening member,characterized in that it comprises at each of its longitudinal ends afirst peripheral edge which is configured to be at least partiallyengaged in a longitudinal end of the corresponding cap and to be atleast partially covered by a second peripheral edge of said longitudinalend of the cap.

This permits the passage of air between the mounting and cap to belimited or even prevented, in particular during use, and thus theaerodynamics of the wiper to be improved. This also permits theappearance thereof to be improved. Such a structure makes it possiblefurther to minimize the risk of trapping when handling it because theperipheral edge reduces the angle of opening. Furthermore, thisstructure of the peripheral edges is perfectly compatible with themethod of assembling the streamlined flat wiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   the mounting comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, one        longitudinal edge of a first of said walls being connected to a        longitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as to form        substantially a dihedron at least in the region of the        longitudinal ends of the mounting,    -   the means for connecting extend from the transverse walls for        connecting said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   each first edge is defined by the external periphery of one of        said transverse walls,    -   each first edge extends over the entire transverse extent of        said longitudinal walls,    -   each first edge extends over the entire height of said        longitudinal walls,    -   each first edge is formed by a groove of the external periphery        of the mounting,    -   each first edge has an axial dimension ranging approximately        between 1 and 5 mm, and preferably between 1 and 3 mm.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a mounting asdisclosed above and a terminal cap.

The invention further relates to a terminal cap for a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, the cap having anelongated shape and comprising at one of its longitudinal ends means forconnecting to a central mounting of the wiper, characterized in that itcomprises at this longitudinal end a second peripheral edge which isconfigured to be at least partially engaged in or on one longitudinalend of the mounting and to cover at least partially a first peripheraledge of said longitudinal end of the mounting.

The means for connecting may be means for articulation.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a terminal capas disclosed above and a central mounting.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting or a cap as disclosedabove.

According to a twelfth embodiment, the invention relates to a centralmounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, the mounting having an elongated shape and comprising means forfixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to a member for retainingsaid stiffening member, the mounting further comprising an aperturewhich is configured to receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to adrive arm of said wiper, characterized in that it comprises a baffle,one longitudinal upper edge thereof extending substantially parallel andspaced apart from a substantially vertical central longitudinal plane ofthe aperture and/or a substantially vertical central longitudinal planeof the means for fixing.

The edge of the baffle is thus offset in the transverse direction of thecentre of the wiper. The longitudinal edge of the baffle issubstantially or strictly parallel to the central longitudinal plane P1,along the entire length of the edge. This advantageous feature allowsthe air baffle to have the same aerodynamic performance spread over theentire length of the baffle.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the mounting comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, one        longitudinal edge of a first of said lateral walls being        connected to a longitudinal edge of a second of said lateral        walls so as to form said edge of the baffle,    -   said lateral walls form substantially a dihedron at least in the        region of the longitudinal ends of the mounting,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends means        for connecting to a terminal cap of the wiper,    -   the means for connecting extend from transverse walls for        connecting said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        protruding finger carrying a pivot pin or comprising an orifice        which is configured to be traversed by a pivot pin,    -   each finger has a longitudinal axis extending in a longitudinal        plane which is substantially perpendicular to said corresponding        pivot pin and which passes substantially through said edge,    -   each finger has a generally substantially parallelepipedal        shape.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a mounting asdisclosed above and a terminal cap.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting or an assembly asdisclosed above.

According to a thirteenth embodiment, the invention relates to a centralmounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, the mounting having an elongated shape and comprising means forfixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to a member for retainingsaid stiffening member, the mounting further comprising an aperturewhich is configured to receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to adrive arm of said wiper, the aperture having an elongated shape andextending between two longitudinal lateral walls, a pivot pin of saidadapter extending therebetween, characterized in that said pin islocated above a longitudinal plane which is substantially parallel tosaid pin and passes substantially through the upper ends of thelongitudinal end parts of the mounting.

The pivot pin of the adapter is thus raised, which enables, inparticular, a greater angular displacement of the arm relative to thewiper to be permitted.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   at least in the region of the longitudinal end pieces of the        mounting, one upper longitudinal edge of a first of said lateral        walls is connected to an upper longitudinal edge of the second        of said lateral walls so as to form an upper edge of an        aerodynamic baffle, said longitudinal plane passing        substantially through said upper edge of the longitudinal end        parts of the mounting,    -   said lateral walls form substantially a dihedron in the region        of the longitudinal end parts of the mounting,    -   in the region of said aperture of the mounting, the upper        longitudinal edges of said lateral walls are spaced apart from        one another to define the peripheral edges of said aperture,    -   said peripheral edges of the aperture have upper ends located        above said plane,    -   said peripheral edges of the aperture have a generally rounded        shape,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends means        for connecting to a terminal cap of the wiper,    -   the means for connecting extend from the transverse walls for        connecting said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        protruding finger carrying a pivot pin or comprising an orifice        which is configured to be traversed by a pivot pin,    -   each finger has an axis of elongation extending in a        longitudinal plane which is substantially perpendicular to said        corresponding pivot pin and which passes substantially through        said edge,    -   each finger has a generally substantially parallelepipedal        shape.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a mounting asdisclosed above and a terminal cap.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting or an assembly asdisclosed above.

According to a fourteenth embodiment, the invention relates to anassembly of two streamlined portions for streamlined flat windscreenwipers, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a short streamlinedportion and a long streamlined portion, each streamlined portion havingan elongated shape and comprising two terminal caps and a centralmounting which extends between the terminal caps and which comprises atits longitudinal ends means for connecting to the terminal caps,characterized in that the central mountings of the two streamlinedportions are identical and thus interchangeable.

This is particularly advantageous as it enables the number of parts forthe central mounting to be limited, a single part being able to serve,for example, for producing streamlined portions of several differentlengths.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   each mounting comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member        or to a member for retaining said stiffening member,    -   each mounting comprises an aperture which is configured to        receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to a drive arm of        said wiper,    -   the aperture has an elongated shape and extends between two        longitudinal lateral walls, a pivot pin of said adapter        extending therebetween,    -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   each mounting forms or comprises an aerodynamic baffle,    -   each mounting comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, the        first longitudinal edges thereof being connected together so        that said walls form substantially a dihedron at least in the        region of the longitudinal ends of the mounting,    -   the dihedron defines an upper longitudinal edge of the mounting,    -   said edge extends substantially parallel and spaced apart from a        central longitudinal plane of the means for fixing the mounting,    -   said longitudinal lateral walls comprise, opposite said first        longitudinal edges, second longitudinal edges which are free or        connected to longitudinal lateral flanges,    -   the second longitudinal edge of one of said longitudinal lateral        walls is substantially located in a first substantially        horizontal longitudinal plane which is remote from a second        substantially horizontal longitudinal plane passing        substantially through the second longitudinal edge of the other        of said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   said lateral flanges are connected to means which are configured        to guide in translation a member for retaining a wiper blade of        the wiper,    -   said lateral flanges are connected together by a transverse        wall, a passage for the guidance of said member being formed        therein,    -   the mountings have a length ranging between 15 and 30 cm.

The invention further relates to a method for mounting streamlinedportions for streamlined flat windscreen wipers, in particular for avehicle, comprising a step of mounting a short streamlined portion and astep of mounting a long streamlined portion, each streamlined portionhaving an elongated shape and comprising two terminal caps and a centralmounting which comprises at its longitudinal ends means for connectingto the terminal caps, characterized in that the step of mounting a shortstreamlined portion comprises the assembly of a first central mountingpart to a first terminal cap part for the short streamlined portion, andin that the step of mounting a long streamlined portion comprises theassembly of said first central mounting part to a second terminal cappart for the long streamlined portion.

According to a fifteenth embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined portion for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, the streamlined portion having an elongatedshape and comprising two terminal caps and a central mounting whichextends between the terminal caps and which comprises at itslongitudinal ends means for connecting to the terminal caps, themounting comprising an aperture which is configured to receive anadapter for connecting the wiper to a drive arm of said wiper, theaperture having an elongated shape and extending between twolongitudinal lateral walls, a transverse pin for the articulation of theadapter extending therebetween, characterized in that the ratio betweenthe longitudinal distance between a first transverse plane passingsubstantially through said pin and a second transverse plane passingsubstantially through the means for connecting the mounting to each cap,and half of the length of the streamlined portion, ranges between 20 and70%.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the ratio ranges between 25 and 65% and preferably between 27        and 59%,    -   each mounting comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member        or to a member for retaining said stiffening member,    -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   at least one of the elements from the mounting and the caps        forms or comprises an aerodynamic baffle,    -   at least one of the elements from the mounting and the caps        comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, the first longitudinal        edges thereof being connected together so that said walls form        substantially a dihedron over at least one part of the        longitudinal dimension of the element,    -   the dihedron defines an upper longitudinal edge of the mounting        or the cap,    -   said edge extends substantially parallel to and spaced apart        from a central longitudinal plane of the aperture,    -   said longitudinal lateral walls comprise, opposite said first        longitudinal edges, second longitudinal edges which are free or        connected to the longitudinal lateral flanges,    -   the second longitudinal edge of one of said longitudinal lateral        walls is located substantially in a first substantially        horizontal longitudinal plane which is spaced apart from a        second substantially horizontal longitudinal plane passing        substantially through the second longitudinal edge of the other        of said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   said lateral flanges are connected to means which are configured        to guide in translation a member for retaining a windscreen        wiper blade,    -   said lateral flanges are connected together by a transverse        wall, a passage being formed therein for the guidance of said        member,    -   the mounting has a length ranging between 15 and 30 cm.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a streamlined portion as disclosedabove.

According to a sixteenth embodiment, the invention relates to a centralmounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, the mounting having an elongated shape and comprising means forfixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to a member for retainingsaid stiffening member, the mounting further comprising an aperturewhich is configured to receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to adrive arm of said wiper, characterized in that it comprises at least onestiffening rib comprising at least one mark of a bearing point for theejection of the mounting from a manufacturing mould.

This is particularly advantageous as the mark left by a bearing pointfor the ejection of the mounting is not attractive. When this mark islocated on a face of large dimensions, it is visible and unattractive.As the bearing point is provided on a stiffening rib this permits thevisibility of the mark of the bearing point to be restricted. Moreover,the mark is produced by pushing in material which may affect theintegrity o the part. As the rib forms a relatively stiff and strongpart, the mark does not affect the integrity of the part in this case.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the mounting comprises at least two stiffening ribs, each        comprising at least one mark,    -   said ribs are substantially transverse,    -   the mounting comprises at least two intersecting stiffening        ribs, at least one mark being located at a joining area of the        ribs,    -   the or each mark is formed on a free terminal edge of a rib,    -   the mounting comprises two longitudinal lateral walls which are        connected together so as to form substantially a dihedron at        least in the region of the longitudinal ends of the mounting,        said at least one rib extending between the internal faces of        said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends means        for connecting to a terminal cap of the wiper.

The invention further relates to a terminal cap for a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, the cap having anelongated shape and comprising at one of its longitudinal ends means forconnecting to a central mounting of the wiper, characterized in that itcomprises at least one stiffening rib comprising at least one mark of abearing point for the ejection of the cap from a manufacturing mould.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the cap comprises at least two stiffening ribs each comprising        at least one mark,    -   said ribs are substantially transverse,    -   the cap comprises at least two intersecting stiffening ribs, at        least one mark being located on a joining area of the ribs,    -   the or each mark is formed on a free terminal edge of a rib,    -   the cap comprises two longitudinal lateral walls which are        connected together so as to form substantially a dihedron, said        at least one rib extending between the internal faces of said        longitudinal lateral walls.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a mounting and acap as disclosed above.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting or a cap as disclosedabove.

According to a seventeenth embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,characterized in that it comprises:

-   -   a longitudinal wiper blade,    -   at least one longitudinal stiffening member,    -   a longitudinal member for retaining said wiper blade and said        stiffening member,    -   a longitudinal streamlined portion comprising two terminal caps        and a central mounting extending between the terminal caps and        being connected thereto, the mounting comprising means for        fixing to said stiffening member or to said member for retaining        said stiffening member, and each cap comprising means for        guiding in translation terminal parts of said member.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends means        for articulation of the corresponding terminal cap,    -   the mounting comprises an aperture which is configured to        receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to a drive arm of        said wiper,    -   the aperture has an elongated shape and extends between two        longitudinal lateral walls of the mounting, a pivot pin of said        adapter extending therebetween,    -   the member comprises a first longitudinal housing for receiving        a heel of the wiper blade and a second longitudinal housing for        receiving the stiffening member,    -   the stiffening member bears against the heel of the blade or is        separated from said heel by a longitudinal wall of said member,    -   the wiper comprises a single stiffening member,    -   at least one of the elements from the mounting and the caps        forms or comprises an aerodynamic baffle,    -   at least one of the elements from the mounting and the caps        comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, the first longitudinal        edges thereof being connected together so that said walls form        substantially a dihedron over at least one longitudinal part of        said element,    -   the dihedron defines an upper longitudinal edge of the mounting        or of the cap,    -   said edge extends substantially parallel to and spaced apart        from a central longitudinal plane of the means for fixing the        mounting,    -   said longitudinal lateral walls comprise, opposite said first        longitudinal edges, second longitudinal edges which are free or        connected to longitudinal lateral flanges,    -   the second longitudinal edge of one of said longitudinal lateral        walls is substantially located in a first substantially        horizontal longitudinal plane which is remote from a second        substantially horizontal longitudinal plane passing        substantially through the second longitudinal edge of the other        of said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   said means for guiding extend between said lateral flanges,    -   said lateral flanges are connected together by a transverse        wall, a passage for the guidance of said member being formed        therein.

According to an eighteenth embodiment, the invention relates to acentral mounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particularfor a vehicle, the mounting having an elongated shape and comprising ateach of its longitudinal ends means for articulation on a terminal capof the wiper about at least one pin, the mounting further comprisingmeans for fixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to a member forretaining said stiffening member, characterized in that a first centrallongitudinal plane of the means for articulation, substantiallyperpendicular to said pin, is substantially parallel to and spaced apartfrom a second central longitudinal plane of said means for fixing.

The means for articulation are thus offset in the transverse directionof the means for fixing.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        protruding finger carrying a pivot pin or comprising an orifice        which is configured to be traversed by a pivot pin,    -   the mounting comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, one        longitudinal edge of a first of said walls being connected to a        longitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as to form        substantially a dihedron at least in the region of the        longitudinal ends of the mounting,    -   each finger extends from a transverse wall for connecting said        longitudinal lateral walls,    -   each finger has an axis of elongation extending in a        longitudinal plane which is substantially perpendicular to said        corresponding pivot pin and which passes substantially through        said longitudinal edges,    -   each finger has a generally substantially parallelepipedal        shape,    -   the mounting further comprises an aperture which is configured        to receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to a drive arm of        said wiper, said first central longitudinal plane being        substantially parallel to and spaced apart from a third central        longitudinal plane of the aperture.

The invention further relates to a terminal cap for a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, the cap having anelongated shape and comprising at one of its longitudinal ends means forarticulation on a central mounting of the wiper, the cap furthercomprising means for guiding in translation a member for retaining awiper blade of the wiper, characterized in that a first centrallongitudinal plane of the means for articulation, substantiallyperpendicular to said pin, is substantially parallel to and spaced apartfrom a second central longitudinal plane of said means for guiding.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   said longitudinal end carries a pivot pin or comprises at least        one orifice which is configured to receive a pivot pin,    -   the cap comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, one        longitudinal edge of a first of said walls being connected to a        longitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as to form        substantially a dihedron,    -   said pin or said orifice is formed on an internal longitudinal        wall of at least one of said longitudinal lateral walls.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a mounting and acap as disclosed above.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting and/or a cap asdisclosed above.

According to a nineteenth embodiment, the invention relates to aterminal cap for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular fora vehicle, said cap having an elongated shape and comprising meansdefining a longitudinal passage for sliding a longitudinal member forretaining a wiper blade of the wiper, characterized in that it furthercomprises at least one guide ramp which is configured to facilitate theinsertion of said member in said passage.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   said means comprise at least one transverse wall protruding over        an internal face of the cap and defining said longitudinal        passage,    -   said transverse wall comprises two substantially L-shaped        lateral hooks which are configured to extend on each side of        said member, each hook comprising a substantially vertical part,        the lower end thereof being connected to a substantially        horizontal part extending on the side of the other hook,    -   the upper ends of said vertical parts of the hooks are connected        together by an upper horizontal part of said transverse wall,    -   said horizontal part of each hook has an overthickness in the        longitudinal direction in which a guide ramp is formed,    -   the cap comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, the first        longitudinal edges thereof being connected together so that said        longitudinal lateral walls substantially form a dihedron,    -   said longitudinal lateral walls comprise, opposite said first        longitudinal edges, second longitudinal walls which are free or        connected to longitudinal lateral flanges,    -   the second longitudinal edge of one of said longitudinal lateral        walls is substantially located in a first substantially        horizontal longitudinal plane which is spaced apart from a        second substantially horizontal longitudinal plane passing        substantially through the second longitudinal edge of the other        of said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   said means extend between said lateral flanges,    -   the cap comprises two ramps which are symmetrical relative to a        substantially vertical central longitudinal plane of said means,    -   said ramps comprise inclined guide faces which are substantially        coplanar.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a cap asdisclosed above and a member for retaining a wiper blade, which isslidably mounted in the passage of said means.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a cap as disclosed above.

According to a twentieth embodiment, the invention relates to a centralmounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, the mounting having an elongated shape and comprising means forfixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to a member for retainingsaid stiffening member, the mounting further comprising an aperturewhich is configured to receive an adapter for connecting the wiper to adrive arm of said wiper, said aperture comprising a pivot pin of saidadapter, the mounting comprising two longitudinal lateral walls whichdefine relative to one another a space for housing said member,characterized in that said longitudinal lateral walls comprise freelower longitudinal edges which are respectively located in twolongitudinal planes substantially parallel to said pin, which areseparate.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   said longitudinal lateral walls comprise upper longitudinal        edges which are connected together so that the mounting has a        substantially dihedral shape over at least one part of its        length,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends means        for connecting to a terminal cap of the wiper,    -   the means for connecting extend from transverse walls for        connecting said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        protruding finger carrying a pivot pin or comprising an orifice        which is configured to be traversed by a pivot pin,    -   each finger has an axis of elongation extending in a        longitudinal plane which is substantially perpendicular to said        corresponding pivot pin and which passes substantially through        said edge,    -   each finger has a generally substantially parallelepipedal        shape.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a mounting asdisclosed above and a terminal cap.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting or an assembly asdisclosed above.

According to a twenty-first embodiment, the invention relates to anadapter for connecting a rod-shaped drive arm to a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, said adapter having anelongated shape and comprising two longitudinal lateral flangesconnected together by a central portion defining a cylindrical housingwhich is configured to receive a pivot pin, characterized in that itcomprises a longitudinal housing which is configured to receive an endof said rod-shaped arm, and means for locking which are configured tocooperate with the arm and to ensure the retention thereof in saidlongitudinal housing.

In the present application, a drive arm of the type having an angled orU-shaped end (“U-shaped arm”) is distinguished from a drive arm of thetype having a straight end (“rod-shaped arm”). The invention relates toa U-shaped arm or rod-shaped arm, or even any other type of drive arm.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the cylindrical housing is configured to receive said pivot pin        by resilient clipping,    -   said means for locking comprise a longitudinal tab, one free        longitudinal end thereof comprising at least one finger for        retaining said arm,    -   said tab delimits at least one part of said longitudinal        housing,    -   said tab has a generally planar and elongated shape and extends        substantially in a plane passing through an upper end of the        adapter,    -   said finger and said flanges of the adapter extend substantially        on the same side from said plane,    -   said longitudinal housing is open at both longitudinal ends        thereof.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising an adapter asdisclosed above and a central mounting of a streamlined flat windscreenwiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the mounting comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member        of the wiper or to a member for retaining this stiffening        member,    -   the mounting has an elongated shape and comprises at each of its        longitudinal ends means for articulation on a terminal cap of        the wiper,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        protruding finger carrying a pivot pin or comprising an orifice        which is configured to be traversed by a pivot pin,    -   the mounting comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, a        longitudinal edge of a first of said walls being connected to a        longitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as to form        substantially a dihedron at least in the region of the        longitudinal ends of the mounting,    -   the mounting further comprises an aperture which is configured        to receive said adapter, said aperture comprising a pivot pin of        said adapter,    -   the mounting comprises or forms an aerodynamic baffle.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising an adapter or an assembly asdisclosed above.

According to a twenty-second embodiment, the invention relates to amember for the offset connection of a streamlined flat windscreen wiper,in particular for a vehicle, to an adapter for connecting said wiper toa drive arm, the member comprising means for connecting to said wiperand a pivot pin of said adapter, a first central transverse plane ofsaid pin being parallel to and spaced apart from a second central planeparallel to said first plane and passing through said means forconnecting, characterized in that said means for connecting at leastpartially define a capping.

As explained above, a capping is an element which defines a generallyprofiled external face and which may be used for sealing an aperture,for example.

The member according to the invention thus has a dual function ofattaching the wiper to an adapter and a function of capping.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the member is formed in one piece with a central mounting of        said wiper,    -   said means for connecting comprise means for fixing which are        configured to cooperate by interlocking or resilient clipping        with at least one pin of said wiper,    -   said means for fixing are configured to cooperate by        interlocking or resilient clipping with two or three separate        pins of said wiper,    -   said means for connecting have an elongated shape and        substantially comprise in the centre thereof means for        resiliently clipping onto a pin of said wiper, and at each of        their longitudinal ends means for interlocking on a further pin        of said wiper,    -   said capping is configured to seal at least partially an        aperture of said wiper,    -   the capping extends an upper surface of the central mounting,    -   the member has generally a U-shape and comprises two lateral        walls, the lower edges thereof being connected together by a        central wall, said pin extending between said lateral walls and        an upper edge of one of said lateral walls being connected to an        edge defining said capping.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a connectionmember as disclosed above and a central mounting of a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the mounting comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member        of the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening        member,    -   the mounting has an elongated shape and comprises at each of its        longitudinal ends means for articulation on a terminal cap of        the wiper,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        protruding finger carrying a pivot pin or comprising an orifice        which is configured to be traversed by a pivot pin,    -   the mounting comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, one        longitudinal edge of a first of these walls being connected to a        longitudinal edge of a second of these walls so as to form        substantially a dihedron at least in the region of the        longitudinal ends of the mounting,    -   the mounting comprises an aperture, comprising at least one pin        for the interlocking or resilient clipping of said means for        connecting the member,    -   said capping of the member at least partially seals said        aperture of the mounting.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising a member or an assembly asdisclosed above.

According to a twenty-third embodiment, the invention relates to aconnection member for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particularfor a vehicle, to an adapter for connecting said wiper to a drive arm,the member comprising means for connecting to said wiper and means forthe articulation of said adapter about a pin, characterized in that saidmeans for connecting at least partially define a capping.

Said member also has the dual function of attaching the wiper to anadapter and a function of capping.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the member is formed in one piece with a central mounting of        said wiper,    -   said means for connecting comprise means for fixing which are        configured to cooperate by interlocking, engagement and/or        resilient clipping with a central mounting of said wiper,    -   said means for connecting have an elongated shape and comprise        at a first longitudinal end means for engagement or interlocking        which are configured to cooperate with said mounting and, at the        opposing longitudinal end, resilient clipping means which are        configured to cooperate with said mounting,    -   said means for connecting further comprise substantially in the        centre thereof additional means for engagement or interlocking        which are configured to cooperate with said mounting,    -   said capping is configured to seal at least partially an        aperture of said mounting,    -   said housing is defined by a protruding part on said capping,    -   the means for articulation comprise an orifice for housing a        pivot pin or journals defining a pivot pin.

The invention further relates to an assembly comprising a connectionmember as disclosed above and a central mounting of a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the mounting comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member        of the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening        member,    -   the mounting has an elongated shape and comprises at each of its        longitudinal ends means for articulation on a terminal cap of        the wiper,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        protruding finger carrying a pivot pin or comprising an orifice        which is configured to be traversed by a pivot pin,    -   the mounting comprises two longitudinal lateral walls, one        longitudinal edge of a first of said walls being connected to a        longitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as to form        substantially a dihedron at least in the region of the        longitudinal ends of the mounting,    -   the mounting comprises an aperture for mounting said member,    -   said capping of the member seals at least partially said        aperture of the mounting.

The invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising an adapter or an assembly asdisclosed above.

According to a twenty-fourth embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined portion for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, the streamlined portion comprising twoterminal caps and a central mounting which is located between the twoterminal caps and which comprises means for fixing to a stiffeningmember of the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening member,the central mounting comprising at each of its longitudinal ends meansfor connecting to one of the terminal caps, characterized in that themeans for connecting are configured to cooperate by interlocking withcomplementary means of the corresponding terminal cap, and in that thestreamlined portion is configured so that the force required to detachsaid means for connecting from said complementary means, by dismantlingthem from one another, is greater than the resistance to rupture of atleast one part of the streamlined portion.

The invention thus permits the streamlined portion to be undetachableand thus prevents inadvertent detachment of the central mounting fromthe terminal caps. The only manner of detaching the central mountingfrom the terminal caps is to break said cap(s), which makes thestreamlined portion useless.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   said means for connecting comprise a first finger and said        complementary means comprise a second finger,    -   one of the first and second fingers comprises a recess for        engagement of the other of the first and second fingers,    -   the first finger comprises two lateral walls defining said        recess relative to one another,    -   said lateral walls comprise opposing internal lateral faces each        comprising a blind hole for receiving a substantially        cylindrical pin of the second finger,    -   the blind hole has a generally trapezoidal shape, the small base        thereof having a concave curved shape and forming a portion for        guiding said pin in rotation,    -   the recess traverses said finger and the large base of said        blind hole of each internal face is located at a through-end of        said recess,    -   the second finger comprises two external lateral faces        comprising said substantially cylindrical pins,    -   the second finger has a generally trapezoidal shape,    -   the second finger extends between two reinforcements,    -   each pin comprises a chamfered part which is configured to        facilitate the insertion of the pin in the recess of the first        finger and a non-chamfered part to make the removal of the pin        from the recess more difficult,    -   the second finger is connected by its base to at least one        substantially transverse reinforcing rib,    -   said first and second fingers have substantially perpendicular        orientations,    -   the streamlined portion comprises two longitudinal lateral        walls, one longitudinal edge of a first of said walls being        connected to a longitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as        to form substantially a dihedron over at least one part of the        longitudinal dimension of the streamlined portion, at least one        of said longitudinal lateral walls comprising at least one        thinned area in the vicinity of said means for connecting and        articulation of said complementary means, so as to form at least        one weakened area.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a streamlined portion asdisclosed above.

According to a twenty-fifth embodiment, the invention relates to an endpiece for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, comprising a first housing which is configured to receive anend of a stiffening member of the wiper, characterized in that itcomprises means for resilient clipping which are configured to cooperatewith a streamlined portion of said wiper.

The resilient clipping of the end piece permits, in particular, theretention and the position thereof relative to the streamlined portionto be improved. It may permit the end piece to be held captively andunreleasably which facilitates the mounting thereof.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   said resilient clipping means are located on at least one        external face of said end piece,    -   said resilient clipping means are located on at least one side        of said end piece,    -   the end piece comprises two substantially parallel lateral faces        and said resilient clipping means protrude over said lateral        faces,    -   said resilient clipping means comprise at least one ramp having        an inclined wall which is configured to cooperate by sliding        with a corresponding means of the streamlined portion and a stop        face which is configured to cooperate with said corresponding        means of the streamlined portion,    -   said resilient clipping means are located on a central part of        the end piece,    -   said resilient clipping means are substantially coplanar,    -   the end piece comprises a central longitudinal plane of        symmetry,    -   the end piece comprises at one longitudinal end stop means which        are configured to cooperate with a corresponding means of said        streamlined portion after the resilient clipping of said means.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined portion for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,comprising slidable means for guiding which are configured to cooperatewith an end piece as disclosed above.

The means for guiding may comprise two substantially L-shaped lateralhooks which are configured to extend on each side of said end piece,each hook comprising a substantially vertical part, the lower endthereof being connected to a substantially horizontal part extending atthe side of the other hook.

The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising an endpiece and a streamlined portion as disclosed above.

The clipping means may be configured to cooperate with said verticalparts of the hooks.

Said stop means may be configured to cooperate with said hooks.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising at least one end piece, astreamlined portion, or an assembly as disclosed above.

According to a twenty-sixth embodiment, the invention relates to acentral mounting for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particularfor a vehicle, the mounting having an elongated shape and comprising ateach of its longitudinal ends means for connecting to a terminal cap ofthe wiper, the mounting comprising means for fixing to a stiffeningmember of the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening member,characterized in that it further comprises means for longitudinallocking of said stiffening member.

The invention thus proposes to block the stiffening memberlongitudinally by means of the central mounting, which may permit thesimplification of other parts of the wiper, such as for example the endpieces thereof.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the means for connecting are means for articulation,    -   the means for locking are located on one lower end of the        mounting,    -   the means for locking are located substantially in the centre of        the mounting,    -   the means for locking are configured to extend on both sides of        the stiffening member,    -   the means for locking are substantially coplanar,    -   the means for locking comprise at least one protruding element,    -   the means for locking comprise at least one element protruding        over one internal lateral face of the central mounting and at        least one element protruding over an internal lateral face        opposite the central mounting,    -   each protruding element has a generally trapezoidal shape, the        large base thereof being connected to the central mounting,    -   said means for fixing comprise at least one pair of lateral        hooks extending spaced apart from one another and each        comprising a longitudinal notch which is configured to receive        said stiffening member by longitudinal sliding,    -   the mounting comprises two pairs of hooks which are axially        spaced apart from one another, said means for locking being        located between said pairs of hooks.

The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising acentral mounting of the type disclosed above and a stiffening member,said stiffening member comprising over at least one of its longitudinaledges at least one notch which is configured to receive by interlockingsaid means for locking.

The or each notch may be generally U-shaped or C-shaped. The stiffeningmember may comprise a notch over each of its longitudinal edges.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a mounting or an assemblyas disclosed above.

According to a twenty-seventh embodiment, the invention relates to amember for retaining a stiffening member, for a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, the member having anelongated shape and comprising a first longitudinal housing forreceiving the stiffening member and a second longitudinal housing forreceiving a heel of a wiper blade, characterized in that it furthercomprises first means for guiding in the longitudinal direction, whichare configured to cooperate with a streamlined portion of said wiper inorder to guide the longitudinal sliding of said member relative to saidstreamlined portion.

The invention thus proposes to guide the member by means of thestreamlined portion.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the member comprises an upper longitudinal tube internally        defining said first housing and two lower longitudinal hooks        defining relative to one another said second housing, said means        for guiding extending along longitudinal edges of said tube,    -   the means for guiding comprise two ribs, respectively extending        along the two opposing longitudinal edges of said tube,    -   said tube comprises two lateral walls which are connected        together by at least one transverse wall, said ribs extending        downwardly, on the side of said hooks, into the extension of        said lateral walls,    -   the hooks have a substantially L-shaped section and each        comprise a substantially vertical portion, one upper end thereof        being connected to said tube and one lower end thereof being        connected to a substantially horizontal portion of the hook,        said ribs extending substantially parallel to and spaced apart        from vertical portions of said hooks.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined portion for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,comprising second means for slidable guiding which are configured tocooperate with said first means for guiding a member as disclosed above.

The second means for guiding may comprise two substantially L-shapedlateral hooks which are configured to extend on each side of saidmember, each hook comprising a substantially vertical part, the lowerend thereof being connected to a substantially horizontal part extendingon the side of the other hook.

The substantially horizontal part of each hook may comprise alongitudinal groove which is configured to receive one of said ribs ofthe member. The vertical parts of the hooks may comprise means forbearing at regular intervals against said member. The vertical parts ofthe hooks may each comprise a lug, the free end thereof being configuredto cooperate with said member. The lug or each lug may have a generallyrounded shape. The lug may be substantially located in the centre of thevertical part of the or each hook.

The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising a memberand a streamlined portion as disclosed above.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a member and/or astreamlined portion as disclosed above.

According to a twenty-eighth embodiment, the invention relates to an endpiece for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, comprising a first housing which is configured to receive anend of a stiffening member of the wiper, characterized in that itcomprises means for guiding and longitudinal sliding which areconfigured to cooperate with a streamlined portion of said wiper.

The invention thus proposes to guide the sliding of the end piece bymeans of the streamlined portion. In this case, in addition to the otherembodiments of the invention in which the streamlined portion isdesigned to cooperate with the end piece, the streamlined portion maycomprise the aforementioned means at its free ends, which stiffens thestreamlined portion and thus the wiper and is therefore advantageous.

The invention may further comprise one or more of the followingfeatures, said features also being able to be combined with one or moreother features of one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   said means for guiding and sliding comprise two longitudinal        lateral and parallel tracks, each defining at least one sliding        surface of a corresponding means of said streamlined portion,    -   each of said tracks comprises a first sliding surface, one        longitudinal edge thereof being connected to a longitudinal edge        of a second sliding surface,    -   said first and second surfaces are substantially perpendicular,    -   each of said tracks is connected by one of its longitudinal ends        to a transverse stop face,    -   said means for guiding are located on a lower face of said end        piece,    -   the end piece comprises a further housing for receiving an end        of a wiper blade and a longitudinal groove which is formed on a        lower face of the end piece and opens into said further housing,        said means for guiding extending along and on both sides of said        groove,    -   the end piece comprises resilient clipping means which are        configured to cooperate with the streamlined portion of said        wiper.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined portion for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,characterized in that it comprises means for slidable guiding which areconfigured to cooperate with an end piece as disclosed above.

The means for guiding may comprise two substantially L-shaped lateralhooks, which are configured to extend on each side of said end piece,each hook comprising a substantially vertical part, the lower endthereof being connected to a substantially horizontal part extending onthe side of the other hook.

The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising an endpiece and a streamlined portion as disclosed above.

Said means for guiding the streamlined portion may cooperate by slidingwith said tracks of the end piece. Said means for clipping may cooperatewith the vertical parts of said hooks. The end piece may furthercomprise stop means which are configured to cooperate with said hooksafter the resilient dipping.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising an end piece, astreamlined portion, or an assembly as disclosed above.

According to a twenty-ninth embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined portion for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, the streamlined portion having an elongatedshape, characterized in that it comprises at each of its longitudinalends a housing for mounting and longitudinal sliding of an end piece ofsaid wiper, each longitudinal end of the streamlined portion comprisingfirst stop means which are configured to cooperate with said end pieceand to block said end piece in a longitudinal direction, and second stopmeans which are configured to cooperate with said end piece and to blocksaid end piece in the opposing longitudinal direction, said first andsecond means being spaced apart longitudinally relative to one anotherso as to form a retaining cage for said end piece.

The invention thus proposes the longitudinal blocking of the end pieceby means of a retaining cage for the end piece, said cage being formedby means of the streamlined portion.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the streamlined portion comprises two longitudinal lateral        walls, one longitudinal edge of a first of said walls being        connected to a longitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as        to form substantially a dihedron over at least one part of the        longitudinal dimension of the streamlined portion, said housings        being located inside the dihedron,    -   said first and second means for blocking protrude inside said        dihedron,    -   said first and second means for blocking comprising at least one        transverse rib, said rib preferably being a rib for connecting        said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   a first transverse rib forms stop means of the end piece in a        first longitudinal direction,    -   said first transverse rib comprises a central part extending        between said longitudinal lateral walls, and two lateral parts        respectively located at least partially on said longitudinal        lateral walls, at least one part of said lateral parts        comprising a stop face which is configured to cooperate with        said end piece,    -   said first and second means for blocking comprise at least one        pair of substantially L-shaped lateral hooks which are        configured to extend on each side of said end piece,    -   each hook comprises a substantially vertical part, the lower end        thereof being connected to a substantially horizontal part        extending on the side of the other hook, the horizontal parts of        the hooks comprising stop faces which are configured to        cooperate with said end piece,    -   the streamlined portion comprises, substantially at right angles        to said hooks, a second transverse rib for connecting said        longitudinal lateral walls,    -   said second rib comprises a lower edge comprising means for        bearing at regular intervals against said end piece,    -   the streamlined portion comprises two terminal caps and a        central mounting which is located between the two end caps and        which comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member of the        wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening member, each        terminal cap comprising one of said housings at its free        longitudinal end.

The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising astreamlined portion as disclosed above and at least one end piece for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, the oreach end piece comprising a first housing which is configured to receiveone end of a stiffening member of the wiper.

The or each end piece may comprise at least one first transverse stopface which is configured to cooperate with said first stop means, and atleast one second transverse stop face which is configured to cooperatewith said second stop means.

Said at least one first stop face may be substantially located in thecentre of said end piece and said at least one second stop face islocated at one longitudinal end of said end piece.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a streamlined portion oran assembly as disclosed above.

According to a thirtieth embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined portion for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising two longitudinal lateral walls, alongitudinal edge of a first of said walls being connected to alongitudinal edge by a second of said walls so as to form substantiallya dihedron over at least one part of the longitudinal dimension of thestreamlined part, characterized in that the lower or internal faces ofsaid walls are connected together by reinforcing ribs, at least somethereof having different heights.

The subject of the present invention is, in particular, to confer to thereinforcing ribs of the streamlined portion additional functions whichare, in particular, dependent on their height. In the presentapplication, the “height” of a rib is understood as its substantiallyvertical transverse dimension. The other dimensions of a reinforcing ribare its thickness, measured substantially along the longitudinal axis ofthe streamlined portion, and its width or length, measured substantiallyin a substantially horizontal transverse direction.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the streamlined portion comprises two terminal caps and a        central mounting which is located between the two terminal caps        and which comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member of        the wiper or to a member for retaining this stiffening member,        said ribs of different heights being located on the central        mounting and/or said terminal caps,    -   each terminal cap comprises reinforcing ribs of smaller height        and reinforcing ribs of greater height, said ribs of greater        height being located in the vicinity of the free longitudinal        ends of the terminal caps,    -   the reinforcing ribs of greater height comprise stops means        and/or means for guiding in the longitudinal direction which are        configured to cooperate with at least one end piece of said        wiper, said reinforcing ribs of greater height preferably being        two in number,    -   a first of the reinforcing ribs of greater height comprises a        central part extending between said longitudinal lateral walls        and two lateral parts respectively located at least partially on        said longitudinal lateral walls, at least one of said lateral        parts comprising a stop face which is configured to cooperate        with an end piece,    -   a second of the reinforcing ribs of greater height comprises a        lower edge comprising means for bearing at regular intervals        against an end piece,    -   the means for bearing at regular intervals comprise at least one        lug, the free end thereof being configured to cooperate with        said end piece,    -   the lug or each lug has a generally rounded shape,    -   the lug is located substantially in the centre of said lower        edge,    -   said second of the reinforcing ribs of greater height is located        between said first of the reinforcing ribs of greater height and        the free end closest to said terminal cap,    -   the streamlined portion comprises or forms at least one baffle.

The present invention also relates to a terminal cap for a streamlinedflat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, the cap having anelongated shape and comprising at one of its longitudinal ends means forconnecting to a central mounting of the wiper, characterized in that itcomprises two longitudinal lateral walls, one longitudinal edge of afirst of said walls being connected to a longitudinal edge of a secondof said walls so as to form substantially a dihedron, over at least onepart of its longitudinal dimension, characterized in that the lower orinternal faces of said walls are connected together by reinforcing ribs,at least some thereof having different heights.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a streamlined portion orat least one terminal cap as disclosed above.

According to a thirty-first embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, thestreamlined portion comprising two terminal caps and a central mountingwhich is located between the two terminal caps and which comprises meansfor fixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to a member forretaining said stiffening member, the central mounting comprising ateach of its longitudinal ends means for articulation which areconfigured to cooperate with complementary means of one of the terminalcaps, characterized in that the means for articulation comprise a firstfinger comprising at least one first and one second surface for thepivotable guiding of said terminal cap about a pivot pin, said at leastone second guide surface being radially spaced apart from said at leastone first guide surface, relative to said pin, and the circumferentialends of said at least one second guide surface being connected to stopsurfaces.

The present invention thus proposes an improvement to the means forarticulation of the prior art, one of the guide surfaces here beingassociated with the stop surfaces.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   said at least one second guide surface is located radially        outside said at least one first guide surface,    -   said first and second guide surfaces have angular dimensions        which are close to one another and, for example, range between        20 and 50° approximately,    -   the stop surfaces each have a substantially radial orientation        relative to said pivot pin,    -   said means for articulation comprise a first finger and said        complementary means comprise a second finger, one of the first        and second fingers comprising a recess for engagement of the        other of the first and second fingers,    -   the first finger comprises two lateral walls defining relative        to one another said recess,    -   said lateral walls comprise opposing internal lateral faces each        comprising a blind hole for receiving a substantially        cylindrical pin of the second finger,    -   the blind hole has a generally trapezoidal shape, the small base        thereof having a curved concave shape and defining said first        guide surface,    -   the lateral walls comprise upper longitudinal edges which each        comprise a notch defining said at least one second guide        surface,    -   the recess passes through said finger and the large base of said        blind hole of each internal face is located at one through-end        of said recess,    -   the second finger comprises two external lateral faces        comprising said substantially cylindrical pins,    -   the second finger has a generally trapezoidal shape,    -   the second finger extends between two reinforcements,    -   each pin comprises a chamfered part which is configured to        facilitate the insertion of the pin in the recess of the first        finger and a non-chamfered part to make the removal of the pin        from the recess more difficult,    -   the second finger is connected by its base to at least one        substantially transverse reinforcing rib, the free lower edge(s)        thereof being configured to cooperate with said second guide        surface and with said stop surfaces.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a streamlined portion asdisclosed above.

According to a thirty-second embodiment, the invention relates to amethod for mounting a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particularfor a vehicle, said wiper comprising a streamlined portion comprisingtwo terminal caps and a central mounting which is located between thetwo terminal caps, said central mounting comprising means for connectingthe caps and means for fixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or toa member for retaining said stiffening member, said wiper furthercomprising two end pieces which are each configured to receive one endof said stiffening member or one end to a member for retaining saidstiffening member, the method being characterized in that it comprisesthe steps consisting in:

a) mounting the end pieces on the stiffening member or to a member forretaining said stiffening member,

b) then mounting the terminal caps on the end pieces and the centralmounting.

In contrast to the prior art, the terminal caps are in this case mountedafter mounting the end pieces. The mounting of the terminal caps maypermit the locking of the assembly of the parts of the wiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the method comprises the step consisting in:

c) before step a) mounting the central mounting on the stiffening memberor on the member for retaining said stiffening member;

-   -   the method comprises the step consisting in:

d) before step c), mounting a heel of a wiper blade in a firstlongitudinal housing of said member for retaining;

-   -   step c) comprises the sub-steps consisting in:

c1) mounting the central mounting on said member for retaining, then

c2) inserting the stiffening member in a second longitudinal housing ofsaid member for retaining;

-   -   as the means for fixing the central mounting comprise at least        one pair of lateral hooks extending spaced apart from one        another and each comprise a longitudinal notch which is        configured to receive said stiffening member by longitudinal        sliding, the sub-step c1) consists in engaging said hooks in        cut-outs of said member for retaining so that said notches of        the hooks are aligned with said second housing of said member        for retaining;    -   step a) consists in mounting the end pieces on the stiffening        member and the wiper blade, each end piece comprising a housing        for receiving one end of the stiffening member and a housing for        receiving one end of the wiper blade;    -   step b) comprises the sub-steps, consisting in:

b1) engaging one of the end pieces in a longitudinal end of one of theterminal caps, then

b2) connecting the opposing longitudinal end of said cap to the centralmounting so as to assemble the means for connecting thereof,

the sub-steps b1 and b2) being carried out for each end piece;

-   -   during the sub-step b1) said terminal cap is presented in an        inclined manner relative to said stiffening member;    -   during the sub-step b2) said longitudinal end opposing the        terminal cap is folded down onto the central mounting;    -   the folding-down is carried out until the means for connecting        are formed by the interlocking of a means of said terminal cap        in a means complementary to said central mounting;    -   the means for connecting are of the undetachable type, the force        required to dismantle said means for connecting being greater        than the resistance to rupture of at least one part of the        streamlined portion so that it breaks in the event of an attempt        to dismantle the connection;    -   as the stiffening portion has a curved portion in the resting        position, it comprises a step consisting in applying stress to        the stiffening member so that it has a substantially rectilinear        shape during at least one part of the aforementioned steps;    -   during step a) the end pieces are mounted simultaneously on the        ends of the stiffening member.

According to a thirty-third embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined flat windscreen flat wiper, in particular for a vehicle,said wiper having an elongated shape and comprising at least one baffleextending along said wiper over at least part of its longitudinaldimension, characterized in that it comprises at each of itslongitudinal ends a second baffle which extends substantially between alongitudinal end of the first baffle and a longitudinal edge of thewiper.

The invention permits, in particular, the aerodynamics of the wiper tobe improved. The second baffle here has a function which is comparablewith that of the winglets located at the ends of the wings of anaircraft. The second baffle makes it possible, in particular, to improvethe flattening of the wiper against the window of the vehicle to becleaned, in the region of the end of the wiper, said second baffle beinglocated in the region thereof.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   said second baffle substantially extends between the        longitudinal end of the first deflector and a longitudinal end        of said longitudinal edge of the wiper,    -   the first baffle comprises a first edge which extends along the        wiper and in which the second baffle comprises a second edge,        one end thereof being connected to one end of the first edge,    -   the second edge has a substantially transverse orientation        relative to a longitudinal axis of the wiper,    -   the second edge is at the interface of two faces which form        relative to one another an angle of less than 90°,    -   the second edge is at the interface of two faces, one thereof        being of curved concave shape and connected to said first edge,    -   said concave curved face has a radius of curvature which varies        along said second rib,    -   said concave curved face comprises a hollow portion in the        vicinity of the second baffle,    -   in longitudinal section, said concave curved face has an angle α        relative to a longitudinal axis of the wiper which is less than        or equal to 20°,    -   said second edge comprises a central rectilinear portion and two        curved end portions for respectively connecting to said first        edge and to said longitudinal edge,    -   the wiper is a flat streamlined wiper and comprises a        streamlined portion comprising two terminal caps and a central        mounting which is located between the two terminal caps, the        first baffle extending along the terminal caps and at least one        part of the central mounting and each terminal cap comprising a        second baffle at its free longitudinal end,    -   the second baffles are carried by end pieces.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined portion for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,comprising two longitudinal lateral walls, one longitudinal edge of afirst of said walls being connected to a longitudinal edge of a secondof said walls so as to form substantially a dihedron over at least onepart of the longitudinal dimension of the streamlined portion,characterized in that it further comprises at least one first baffleextending over at least one part of its longitudinal dimension and, ateach of its longitudinal ends, a second baffle which extendssubstantially between one longitudinal end of the first baffle and alongitudinal edge of the streamlined portion.

The streamlined portion may comprise two terminal caps and a centralmounting which is located between the two terminal caps and whichcomprises means for fixing to a stiffening member of the wiper or to amember for retaining said stiffening member, the second baffles beinglocated respectively at the free ends of the terminal caps or beingcarried by the streamlined elements independently of said caps andlocated at the free ends of the caps.

The present invention further relates to a terminal cap for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, the caphaving an elongated shape and comprising at one of its longitudinal endsmeans for connecting to a central mounting, characterized in that itfurther comprises a first baffle extending over at least one part of itslongitudinal dimension and, at its longitudinal end opposing said meansfor connecting, a second baffle which extends substantially between onelongitudinal end of the first baffle and one longitudinal edge of theterminal cap.

The present invention further relates to an end piece for a streamlinedflat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a firsthousing which is configured to receive one end of a stiffening member ofthe wiper, and a second housing which is configured to receive one endof a wiper blade of a wiper, characterized in that it further comprisesa streamlined element forming a baffle which extends substantially in atransverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the end piece.

According to a thirty-fourth embodiment, the invention relates to an endpiece for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, comprising:

-   -   a first housing which is configured to receive one end of a        stiffening member of the wiper,    -   a second housing which is configured to receive one end of a        wiper blade of the wiper,    -   a mounting groove of said end of the wiper blade, said groove        opening into said second housing and being located on a lower        face of the end piece,

characterized in that said first housing is closed on the side of saidlower face of the end piece.

The invention permits, in particular, the appearance of the end piece tobe improved, as it is its lower face which may be visible to the user,its upper face being generally concealed by the streamlined portion ofthe wiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   said first housing is open on the side of an upper face of the        end piece, opposing said lower face,    -   the end piece comprises on said upper face two openings which        are elongated and parallel and which communicate with said first        housing,    -   the end piece comprises in one or each of said openings a        protruding locking tab for said stiffening member,    -   said locking tab is resiliently deformable and is configured to        cooperate by resilient clipping with said stiffening member,    -   the end piece comprises in one or each of said openings at least        one protruding element for centering and guiding said stiffening        member,    -   said openings extend on both sides of a strip of material which        defines said upper face and which comprises on said face at        least one protruding element for guiding the end piece,    -   said groove extends substantially in the centre of the end piece        and extends between two longitudinal tracks of the end piece        which each comprise at least one longitudinal guide surface of        the end piece,    -   each of said longitudinal tracks of the end piece comprises at        least one transverse stop surface, which is connected to said at        least one guide surface.

The present invention further relates to a terminal cap for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, said caphaving a generally elongated shape and comprising at one longitudinalend two substantially parallel lateral flanges, defining relative to oneanother a space which is configured to receive said end piece, the capcomprising further means for slidable guiding which are configured tocooperate with said end piece.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the means for guiding comprise two substantially L-shaped        lateral hooks which are configured to extend on each side of        said end piece, each hook comprising a substantially vertical        part, the lower end thereof being connected to a substantially        horizontal part extending on the side of the other hook and        configured to extend in the region of said lower face of the end        piece,    -   the upper ends of the vertical parts of the hooks are        substantially connected together by an upper wall comprising        means for bearing at regular intervals against said end piece,    -   the means for bearing at regular intervals of the upper wall        comprise at least one lug,    -   the lug of the upper wall has a generally rounded shape and is,        for example, located in the centre of the upper wall,    -   the hooks and possibly said upper wall are defined by a        transverse wall of the cap,    -   the cap has in section a substantially dihedral shape and        comprises two longitudinal walls connected together and defining        relative to one another a housing for mounting said end piece,    -   the transverse wall connects the two longitudinal walls of the        cap,    -   the transverse wall is a wall for stiffening the cap.

The present invention further relates to an assembly comprising an endpiece and a terminal cap as disclosed above.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular, for a vehicle comprising an end piece and/or aterminal cap as disclosed above.

According to a thirty-fifth embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined portion for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising two longitudinal lateral walls, onelongitudinal edge of a first of said walls being connected to alongitudinal edge of a second of said walls so as to form substantiallya dihedron, over at least one part of the longitudinal dimension of thestreamlined portion, characterized in that at least one of the faces ofsaid walls, located inside the dihedron, comprises a groove which isconfigured to permit the mounting and/or the sliding of an element ofthe wiper or an element for supporting the wiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the streamlined portion comprises two terminal caps and a        central mounting which is located between the two terminal caps        and which comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member of        the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening member,        at least one of the lower or internal faces of the longitudinal        lateral walls of the mounting and/or the terminal caps        comprising a groove which is configured to permit the mounting        of an element of the wiper or an element for supporting the        wiper,    -   the mounting comprises two first grooves which are configured to        permit the mounting of said support element of the wiper, which        are respectively located in the vicinity of the longitudinal        ends of the mounting,    -   the first grooves are located on the lower face of just one of        said walls of the mounting,    -   The first grooves are means of sliding and/or clearance fitted        in the central mounting. These means are provided to allow        sliding of the member for retaining said stiffening member        relative to the central mounting,    -   the first grooves are substantially aligned,    -   the mounting comprises at each of its longitudinal ends a        transverse wall for connecting said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   the first grooves extend substantially in a plane passing        through the lower free edges of said transverse walls,    -   said plane passes substantially through a free lower edge of one        of the longitudinal lateral walls,    -   each terminal cap comprises a second groove which is configured        to permit the mounting and the sliding of an end piece of the        wiper, said terminal cap is articulated on the central mounting.    -   said second groove is located in the vicinity of a longitudinal        end of each terminal cap,    -   each terminal cap comprises at its free longitudinal end a        transverse wall for connecting said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   said second groove extends substantially in a plane passing        through a free lower edge of said transverse wall,    -   said second groove extends in the vicinity of a means for        guiding and/or stop means which is configured to cooperate with        an end piece of the wiper,    -   said means for guiding and/or stop means comprises at least one        protruding rib for connecting said longitudinal lateral walls,    -   the or each groove has an elongated shape which extends        substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the streamlined        portion.

It should be noted that the invention covers either the central mountingcomprising at least a first groove as detailed above, or at least oneterminal cap comprising at least one groove, otherwise called secondgroove, as detailed above, or a streamlined comprising a centralmounting and two terminal caps, these two elements comprising theirrespective groove according to any of the aspects detailed above.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a streamlined portion asdisclosed above.

According to a thirty-sixth embodiment, the invention relates to anelement of a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, said element comprising a longitudinal housing which isconfigured to receive a heel of a wiper blade of said wiper, and a lowerlongitudinal groove which opens into said first housing and in whichpart of the blade is able to slide longitudinally, characterized in thatsaid groove is connected to an opening which is configured to permit thepassage of said heel and the dismantling of the blade.

It is thus conceivable to remove the blade from the element of thewiper, for example, for the purpose of its replacement in the case ofwear. Thus, even if the wiper is of the undetachable type, as disclosedabove, the blade could be replaced in the case of wear.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the opening has a generally rectangular shape,    -   the opening has a width or transverse dimension which is        configured to be at least equal to that of said heel,    -   the opening has a width or transverse dimension which is        substantially equal to that of said first housing,    -   the opening extends from a longitudinal end of said groove to a        longitudinal end of said element,    -   the opening and the groove are substantially coplanar,    -   the element comprises a second housing for receiving a        stiffening member of said wiper,    -   the element is an end piece of the wiper or a member for        retaining a wiper blade.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising an element as disclosedabove.

The opening may be longitudinally spaced apart from the freelongitudinal end closest to said wiper.

The present invention further relates to a method for dismantling awiper blade of a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in:

a) sliding one longitudinal end of the heel of the wiper blade into thefirst housing of said element until it is located in the region of saidopening,

b) removing said end of the heel from said housing via said opening,then

c) removing the blade completely from said housing via said opening.

At least one part of the wiper blade may be compressed in thelongitudinal direction during step a).

According to a thirty-seventh embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined portion for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, inparticular for a vehicle, comprising external faces which are configuredto be visible in the position of use of said wiper, characterized inthat at least some of said external faces have different surface states.

The invention may permit the appearance of the streamlined portion to beimproved. It may also permit the surface state of an external face to beadapted as a function of the predicted use of this face.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   at least some of said external faces have different degrees of        roughness,    -   the streamlined portion comprises two terminal caps and a        central mounting which is located between the two terminal caps        and which comprises means for fixing to a stiffening member of        the wiper or to a member for retaining said stiffening member,        said external faces which have different surface states being        located on the central mounting,    -   the central mounting comprises two substantially parallel lower        lateral faces and two upper lateral faces, said lower faces        being smoother than said upper faces,    -   at least one of said lower faces is configured to receive a        stamped or engraved mark,    -   at least one of said lower faces is configured to receive an        adhesively bonded means such as a label, for example an aging        patch,    -   the lower faces have a surface state of the VDI15 type,    -   the upper faces have a surface state of the VDI30 type.

The present invention further relates to a central mounting for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle, thecentral mounting having an elongated shape and comprising at each of itslongitudinal ends means for connecting to a terminal cap, the centralmounting further comprising external faces which are configured to bevisible in the position of use of said wiper, characterized in that atleast some of said external faces have different surface states.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a streamlined portion ora central mounting of the type disclosed above.

The present invention further relates to a method for producing astreamlined portion or a central mounting of the aforementioned type,the streamlined portion or the mounting being produced byinjection-moulding, a method in which before the injection into a mouldonly some internal moulding faces of the mould are textured.

According to a thirty-eighth embodiment, the invention relates to an endpiece for a streamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for avehicle, comprising a first housing which is configured to receive anend of a stiffening member of the wiper, characterized in that it isresiliently deformable so as to permit the mounting of the stiffeningmember in said first housing by resilient deformation of the end piece.

The invention thus proposes an improvement to the prior art in which theend piece is resiliently deformable.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the end piece comprises a second housing which is configured to        receive an end of a wiper blade and a first longitudinal groove        which is located on a lower wall of said end piece and which        opens into said second housing,    -   said first and second housings are separated from one another by        a transverse wall which comprises a second longitudinal groove        opening into said housings,    -   the end piece is configured to be deformable by separating and        bringing together the longitudinal end pieces extending on both        sides of said first or second groove,    -   the end piece comprises means for guiding and longitudinal        sliding which are configured to cooperate with a streamlined        portion of said wiper,    -   said means for guiding and sliding comprise two longitudinal        lateral and parallel tracks each defining at least one sliding        surface of a corresponding means of said streamlined portion,    -   each of said tracks comprises a first sliding surface, one        longitudinal edge thereof being connected to a longitudinal edge        of a second sliding surface,    -   said first and second surfaces are substantially perpendicular,    -   each of said tracks is connected by one of its longitudinal ends        to a transverse stop face,    -   said means for guiding are located on a lower face of said end        piece.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined portion for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,characterized in that it comprises means for locking and blocking an endpiece as disclosed above, in order to limit or even prevent adeformation thereof.

Said means for locking may comprise means for the slidable guiding ofsaid end piece.

Said means for guiding may comprise two substantially L-shaped lateralhooks which are configured to extend on each side of said end piece,each hook comprising a substantially vertical part, the lower endthereof being connected to a substantially horizontal part extending onthe side of the other hook.

The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising an endpiece and a streamlined part as disclosed above.

The present invention also relates to a streamlined flat windscreenwiper, in particular for a vehicle, comprising an end piece, astreamlined portion or an assembly as disclosed above.

According to a thirty-ninth embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,comprising a streamlined portion and a flat wiper, said flat wipercomprising at least two stiffening members which are substantiallycoplanar and are configured to grip between one another a part of awiper blade, characterized in that said streamlined portion comprisesmeans which are configured to cooperate with the stiffening members inorder to guide by longitudinal sliding the flat wiper relative to thestreamlined portion.

An embodiment consists in that the guide means cooperating with thestiffening members, are positioned on a portion of the terminal cap,said terminal cap being configured to receive an end piece. Once thewiper blade is assembled, the guide means are provided adjacent to theterminal end of the end piece. Specifically, the guide means are locatedat the boundary between the terminal cap and the portion of the terminalcap covering the end piece on top and laterally at the guide means area.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the means for guiding comprise two substantially L-shaped        lateral hooks, which are configured to extend on each side of        said streamlined member, each hook comprising a substantially        vertical part, the lower end thereof being connected to a        substantially horizontal part extending on the side of the other        hook,    -   the substantially horizontal part of each hook extends below the        corresponding stiffening member,    -   the substantially vertical part of each hook extends at the side        of the corresponding stiffening member,    -   the blade is configured to act transversely upon the stiffening        members so that they bear against the hooks,    -   the hooks comprise means for bearing at regular intervals        against the stiffening members or against the heel of the wiper        blade.

The present invention further relates to a streamlined portion for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,comprising means for slidable guiding which are configured to cooperatewith the stiffening members of said wiper.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the means for guiding comprise two substantially L-shaped        lateral hooks which are configured to extend on each side of        said streamlined member, each hook comprising a substantially        vertical part, the lower end thereof being connected to a        substantially horizontal part extending on the side of the other        hook,    -   the substantially horizontal part of each hook is configured to        extend below the corresponding stiffening member,    -   the substantially vertical part of each hook is configured to        extend at the side of the corresponding stiffening member,    -   the blade is configured to act transversely upon the stiffening        members so that they bear against the hooks,    -   the hooks comprise means for bearing at regular intervals        against the stiffening members or the heel of the wiper blade.

According to a fortieth embodiment, the invention relates to astreamlined flat windscreen wiper, in particular for a vehicle,characterized in that it comprises means for heating and/or fluiddistribution.

The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, saidfeatures also being able to be combined with one or more other featuresof one or more other embodiments of the invention:

-   -   the wiper comprises a streamlined portion and a flat wiper, said        means for heating and/or fluid distribution being carried by the        streamlined portion and/or the flat wiper,    -   the flat wiper comprises at least one stiffening member having        an elongated shape, said stiffening member comprising means for        heating on at least one of its longitudinal faces,    -   the wiper comprises means for heating on the upper longitudinal        face of the stiffening member,    -   the means for heating comprise at least one resistive heating        element designed to be connected to an electrical supply source,    -   the wiper comprises a streamlined portion and a flat wiper, the        flat wiper comprising at least one longitudinal spray line for        fluid distribution and for supplying fluid to spray orifices,    -   the wiper comprises a spray line on each side of the flat wiper,    -   the or each spray line is connected to a tube or channel for the        supply of fluid in the region of a central part of the wiper or        in the region of an end part of the wiper,    -   the or each spray line is fixed to a longitudinal member for        retaining a stiffening member and/or a wiper blade of said        wiper.

The different features and variants disclosed above and presented by wayof example in the form of a list (with bullet points) may naturally becombined with one another, even in the case where the features relate totwo or more embodiments of the invention. In other words, the inventionrelates to a large number of embodiments, the different features thereofbeing able to be combined with one another in a non-limiting manner.

In the aspects of the invention described hereinabove, the connectionmeans formed on the central mounting extends longitudinally at onelongitudinal end of the central mounting. By way of example, it is thefinger provided in the end of the central mounting. On the terminal capside, the connection means are formed in the volume delimited by thedihedron and therefore does not protrude longitudinally beyond the cap.Such an organization offers an apparent advantage during the assemblyprocedure. Specifically, all that is required is for the centralmounting to be secured, then the terminal cap or caps lowered onto themeans of connection in order to achieve assembly. It is thus easier togenerate a downward force to effect attachment, rather than pulling on acomponent. Moreover, such a mode of assembly allows the mounting and theend piece to be joined together before they are assembled on the centralmounting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will be understood more clearly and further details,features and advantages of the invention will appear from reading thefollowing description provided by way of non-limiting example and withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a streamlined flat windscreenwiper according to the invention, in the unstressed free state,

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the wiper of FIG. 1 when itbears against a window, in particular of a vehicle,

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective exploded view of the wiper of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 4 and 5 are views in larger scale of the details 14 and 15 of FIG.3 respectively,

FIG. 6 is a view in cross section of the wiper of FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is a schematic view in larger scale of the means for fixing themounting of the wiper of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 8a to 8c show schematically variants of a part of a wiperaccording to the invention,

FIGS. 9, 11 and 12 are schematic perspective views of means forconnecting a mounting to terminal caps of a wiper according to theinvention, and FIG. 10 is a view in longitudinal section of said meansfor connecting,

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a streamlined flat windscreenwiper according to the invention in the unstressed free state and showsterminal caps of this wiper in one of the extreme positions thereof,

FIG. 14 is a view in longitudinal section of an embodiment of means forconnecting a mounting to terminal caps of a wiper according to theinvention,

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic views in longitudinal section and inperspective, respectively, of a further embodiment of the means forconnecting a mounting to terminal caps of a wiper according to theinvention,

FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic perspective views of parts of a mountingand a terminal cap of a wiper according to the invention,

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a mounting of a wiper according to theinvention, viewed from the side,

FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic partial perspective views of a wiperaccording to the invention which is partially dismantled in FIG. 20,

FIGS. 22 and 23 are schematic partial perspective views of a wiperaccording to the invention which is partially dismantled in FIG. 22,

FIGS. 24 to 27 are schematic partial perspective views of an end part ofa wiper according to the invention,

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the end piece of the wiper of FIGS. 24to 27,

FIG. 29 is a partial perspective view of the terminal cap of the wiperof FIGS. 24 to 27,

FIGS. 30a and 30b are schematic partial views of a central mounting of awiper according to the invention, viewed from above, this partcomprising an aperture for housing an adapter,

FIG. 31 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the centralmounting and of the adapter of FIGS. 30a and 30 b,

FIG. 32 is a schematic perspective view of the adapter of FIGS. 30a, 30band 31,

FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of a mounting of a wiperaccording to the invention,

FIG. 34 is a view in larger scale of a part of the mounting of FIG. 33and shows the removable means for connecting and stiffening,

FIG. 35 corresponds to FIG. 34 and shows a step for preparation of themounting in which one of the means for connecting and stiffening hasbeen removed,

FIG. 36 is a schematic perspective view of a capped mounting of a wiperaccording to the invention,

FIGS. 37 to 39, 41 and 42 are schematic partial views in perspective ofthe capped mounting of FIG. 36 and FIGS. 40 and 43 are schematicperspective views of cappings of said capped mounting,

FIG. 44 is a schematic perspective view of a mounting of a wiperaccording to the invention, said wiper being connected to a drive arm,

FIG. 45 is a schematic perspective view of a terminal cap of a wiperaccording to the invention, viewed from below,

FIGS. 46 and 47 are schematic perspective views of two wipers accordingto the invention, respectively long and short, said two wiperscomprising identical and interchangeable mountings,

FIGS. 48 and 49 are schematic partial views of a streamlined flat wiperand an adapter for connecting said wiper to a rod-shaped drive arm in anexploded perspective view in FIG. 48 and in a non-exploded perspectiveview in FIG. 49,

FIG. 50 is a schematic perspective view of the adapter and therod-shaped arm of FIGS. 48 and 49,

FIG. 51 is a schematic perspective view of the adapter of FIGS. 48 and49,

FIG. 52 is a schematic perspective view of the rod-shaped arm of FIGS.48 and 49,

FIGS. 53 and 54 are schematic views in perspective and in longitudinalsection of the adapter and of the rod-shaped arm of FIGS. 48 and 49,

FIGS. 55 to 57 are partial schematic views of a streamlined flat wiperand a member for the offset connection to an adapter for connecting thewiper to a drive arm, in a perspective view in FIGS. 55 and 56 and in anexploded perspective view in FIG. 57,

FIGS. 58 and 59 are schematic perspective views of the connection memberof FIGS. 55 to 57,

FIG. 60 is a schematic perspective view of the adapter and of the arm ofFIGS. 55 to 57,

FIG. 61 is a schematic view of a streamlined flat wiper and adapters forconnecting said wiper to a drive arm, in a partially explodedperspective view,

FIG. 62 is a partial schematic view of a streamlined flat wiper and anadapter for connecting said wiper to a drive arm, in an explodedperspective view,

FIG. 63 is a schematic partial perspective view of a central mounting ofthe streamlined flat wiper of FIG. 62,

FIGS. 64 and 65 are schematic perspective views of the adapter of FIG.62,

FIGS. 66 to 68 are schematic perspective views of the means forconnecting to a streamlined portion according to the invention,

FIGS. 69 to 78 are schematic perspective views of the means forconnecting a streamlined portion according to the invention, FIG. 73being a sectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 72, FIG. 75 being asectional view along the line B-B of FIG. 74, FIG. 77 being a sectionalview along the line C-C of FIG. 76 and FIG. 78 being a sectional viewalong the line D-D of FIG. 71,

FIGS. 79 to 81 d are schematic perspective views of a free end of astreamlined portion or terminal cap of a streamlined portion accordingto the invention, FIG. 80 being a sectional view along the line E-E ofFIG. 79, FIGS. 81a to 81d being sectional views along the lines F1-F1,F2-F2, F3-F3 and F4-F4 of FIG. 79,

FIGS. 82 and 83 are schematic perspective views of a streamlined portionor central mounting according to the invention, the view of FIG. 83 alsobeing in cross section,

FIGS. 84 and 85 are schematic perspective views of a streamlined portionor central mounting according to the invention, the view of FIG. 85showing a part in larger scale of the view of FIG. 84,

FIG. 86 is a schematic perspective view of an end of a wiper accordingto the invention,

FIG. 87 is a schematic perspective view of a member of the wiper of FIG.86,

FIGS. 88a and 88b are schematic perspective views of a free end of awiper according to the invention,

FIGS. 89 to 93 are schematic perspective views of a free end of a wiperaccording to the invention, FIGS. 92 and 93 also being views in partiallongitudinal section,

FIG. 94 is a schematic perspective view of a free end of a wiperaccording to the invention,

FIGS. 95a and 95b are schematic perspective views of an end piece of thewiper of FIG. 94,

FIGS. 96 to 98 are further schematic views of the free end of the wiperof FIG. 94, in longitudinal section in FIG. 98,

FIGS. 99a and 99b are schematic perspective views of a free end of awiper according to the invention and show the steps of dismantling awiper blade from said wiper,

FIG. 100a is a schematic perspective view of a free end of a wiperaccording to the invention, and shows a step of dismantling a wiperblade from said wiper,

FIG. 100b is a schematic perspective view of the end piece visible in

FIG. 100 a,

FIGS. 101 to 103 are schematic perspective views of means for connectinga streamlined portion according to the invention,

FIGS. 104 and 105 are schematic perspective views of a free end of awiper according to the invention,

FIG. 106 is a schematic perspective view of a free end of a streamlinedportion or terminal cap according to the invention,

FIG. 107 is a schematic perspective view of a central mounting accordingto the invention,

FIG. 108 is a schematic perspective view of an end of a streamlinedportion or terminal cap according to the invention,

FIGS. 109a to 109i are schematic perspective views of a wiper accordingto the invention and showing the steps for mounting this wiper,

FIG. 110 is a schematic perspective view of a wiper according to theinvention,

FIG. 111 is a schematic perspective view of an end of a wiper accordingto the invention,

FIG. 112 is a schematic perspective view of means of heating a wiperaccording to the invention,

FIGS. 113 and 114 are schematic perspective views of a wiper accordingto the invention, provided with means for fluid distribution, and

FIGS. 115 and 116 are schematic perspective views, respectively of oneend of a wiper according to the invention and an end piece of saidwiper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be mentioned that the figures describe the invention in adetailed manner in order to implement the invention, said figuresnaturally being able to serve to define the invention more clearly ifrequired.

In the remainder of the description, the terms “longitudinal” or“lateral” refer to the orientation of the windscreen wiper according tothe invention. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the principalaxis of the wiper in which it extends, whilst the lateral orientationscorrespond to intersecting straight lines, i.e. lines which intersectthe longitudinal direction, in particular perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the wiper in its rotational plane. For thelongitudinal directions, the terms “outside” or “inside” are understoodrelative to the fixing point of the wiper on a wiper carrier arm, theterm “inside” corresponding to the part where the arm and a half-wiperextend. Finally, the directions referenced as “upper” or “lower”correspond to orientations perpendicular to the rotational plane of thewindscreen wiper, the term “lower” containing the plane of thewindscreen.

If relevant, the term “inside” or “internal” may refer to the inside ofa part or to the inside/internal side of a part, compared to the outsideof a part (which permits, for example, visible or external embodimentsof the part to be qualified) or the outside/external side of the part.

FIG. 1 shows a streamlined flat wiper 1 according to the invention, i.e.a flat wiper provided with a streamlined portion, the streamlined flatwiper 1 in this case being in the unstressed free position in space.

The upper part of the wiper 1 is formed by the streamlined portion whichcomprises an aerodynamic shape which deflects upwardly the air whicharrives on the windscreen. The streamlined portion thus forms anaerodynamic baffle. The deviation of the aforementioned air generates abearing force of the wiper 1 on the windscreen which ensures, inassociation with a second bearing force generated by a pressure of thearm, a permanent contact on the windscreen and thus reliable wiping.

This streamlined portion has substantially the shape of a dihedronformed from two longitudinal walls which are joined in the upper part inthe region of a top edge, the front wall having a hollow aerodynamicshape whilst the rear wall is substantially planar in the example shown.The inside of the dihedron is hollow so as to allow space to housetherein the elements which form a wiping unit of a flat wiper, whichwill be disclosed below in detail.

The streamlined portion is produced in three parts which are articulatedto one another. The central part, denoted hereinafter the centralmounting 2, fulfils the functions of a connector of a non-streamlinedflat wiper, i.e. the various elements which extend over the entirelength of the wiper 1 are attached thereto. With the exception of itscentre which has substantially parallel vertical walls to be able tohouse relative to one another an adapter, this central mounting 2 hasthe streamlined shape in the form of an aerodynamic baffle disclosedabove. It thus comprises two longitudinal lateral walls 2 a, 2 b, thelongitudinal upper edges thereof being connected to one another so thatsaid walls substantially form a dihedron. Two parts in eccentriclongitudinal positions, denoted hereinafter terminal caps 3, areattached to this central mounting. These two caps in turn have overtheir entire length the streamlined shape of an aerodynamic baffle. Eachcap 3 thus comprises two longitudinal lateral walls 3 a, 3 b, the upperlongitudinal edges thereof being connected together so that said wallssubstantially form a dihedron.

A first terminal cap 3 extends to the inside whilst the second terminalcap extends to the outside. The connection between the central mounting2 and each of the terminal caps 3 is an articulation which pivots abouta pin orientated in a lateral or transverse direction, such that the twoterminal caps 3 are displaced in a plane perpendicular to the rotationalplane of the wiper. The fracture thus created between the centralmounting 2 and the terminal caps 3 prevents the outside and inside endsof the wiper from being applied against the windscreen with a pressurewhich is less than that exerted in the region of the central mounting,due to a greater distance from their bearing point relative to the drivearm of the wiper.

The central part of the central mounting 2 has a greater height than theremainder of the wiper, due to its function as a connector which permitsthe means for attaching the wiper to the drive arm to be housed thereinand, in particular, an adapter.

FIG. 2 shows the same wiper 1 in a position bearing against a window,shown here for reasons of simplification in the form of a planarsurface. The articulations between the central mounting 2 and the twoterminal caps 3 are closed, i.e. these caps are positioned in the axisof the central mounting, the upper surfaces of these three parts forminga continuous streamlined surface. An aperture 21 is cut out from thecentral part of the central mounting 2 through which passes the end of adrive arm and comprises a transverse pin on which the adapter is fixed(not shown) which ensures the attachment of the wiper to the arm.

FIG. 3 shows the wiper 1 in an exploded view. The central mounting 2comprises longitudinally, on both sides, two means for connecting orarticulation which comprise fingers 4 which extend longitudinally fromthe body of the mounting. Said fingers 4 comprise an orifice, orientedlaterally or transversely, designed to receive a pivot pin carried bythe corresponding terminal cap 3. The cooperation of this pivot pin withthe orifice of the finger 4 permits the rotation of the cap 3 relativeto the central mounting 2 in a plane perpendicular to the rotationalplane of the wiper 1.

Below these elements are shown respectively a stiffening member 6, amember for retaining or retention 7 and a wiper blade 8, the assembly ofthese three elements forming what will be called hereinafter a wipingunit. The stiffening member 6 has the purpose of serving as a structureto the wiper by providing it with a curved shape which corresponds tothe average shape of the windscreen on which the wiper is displaced. Itslongitudinal rigidity permits, as in a conventional flat wiper,sufficient pressure to be maintained at the two ends of the wiper, suchthat the wiping is carried out uniformly over the entire surface to bewiped.

The member for retaining 7 constitutes the carrier element, both of thestiffening member 6 and the wiper blade 8. It will be described in moredetail, as well as its device for fixing to the central mounting 2, withreference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

The wiper blade 8 is a conventional blade made of elastomeric material,which is carried by the member for retaining 7 and which has the purposeof remaining in permanent contact with the windscreen.

FIG. 3 shows, moreover, two end pieces 9 which have the function ofcombining the three preceding elements at the end thereof and blockingsaid elements longitudinally. Each end piece 9 has, moreover, alongitudinal stop 94 against which a bearing face borne by thecorresponding terminal cap 3 bears. This cooperation of the longitudinalstop and the bearing face of the cap prevent the three elements of thewiping unit from extending longitudinally when the cap pivots relativeto the central mounting 2 and in this manner it forces them to bend sothat they follow the curvature of the windscreen. The device I₄ forfixing these three elements is illustrated in detail in FIG. 4, whilstthe device I₅ for the cooperation of the end of these elements with theend piece 9 is illustrated in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 4 is seen firstly the stiffening member 6 which has the shape ofa thin metal strip of parallelepipedal shape and which has a notch 61 inthe centre of each of its longitudinal edges.

The member for retaining 7 is for instance in one piece and unitary, andit comprises, in turn, four cut-outs 71 which are positionedlongitudinally side-by-side in the region of the centre thereof, andwhich are formed in pairs on the upper longitudinal edges of the member7. They have the purpose of allowing hooks to pass, said hooks extendinglaterally in the lower part of the central mounting 2 in order toensure, by means of the stiffening member 6, the fixing of the centralmounting of the wiping unit, as will be explained in more detail withreference to FIGS. 7 and 23.

In FIG. 5, it may be seen that the longitudinal end of one of theterminal caps 3 and the end piece 9 are connected. One of the ends ofthe stiffening member 6, the member for retaining 7 and the wiper blade8 are also seen. The end piece 9 externally has a substantially hollowparallelepipedal shape and it comprises internally two housings orcavities 92 a, 92 b (respectively upper and lower) orientedlongitudinally and designed to receive the end of a part of thestiffening member 6 and, on the other hand, the wiper blade 8. A thirdhousing 92 c may also be provided for the introduction of thelongitudinal end of the member for retaining 7. Each housing 92 a, 92 bcomprises an open longitudinal end and a closed longitudinal end. Thehousings 92 a, 92 b are formed by walls inside the end piece 9 whichreproduce, by extending it, the shape of the stiffening member 6 and thewiper blade 8. Thus a continuity is present in the retention of thestiffening member 6 and the wiper blade 8 when said stiffening memberand wiper blade pass from the member for retaining 7 to the end piece 9.Vertical ribs (not visible in the figure) are also positionedlongitudinally in the upper cavity 92 a of the end piece 9, i.e. thatwhich receives the stiffening member 6, to reduce the height of saidcavity and to bear against the stiffening member once it has beeninserted. Finally, the lateral walls of this cavity 92 a are flexible soas to be able to be separated during the introduction of the stiffeningmember 6 whilst at the same time being resistant to this flexion inorder to compress the stiffening member laterally and cause it to beclamped in the end piece. This permits the detachment of the end piece 9to be prevented, once it is installed at the end of the wiper.

The terminal cap 3 comprises at its free end, visible in FIG. 5, twolateral flanges 30 which are substantially parallel and define relativeto one another a space which is configured to receive the end piece 9.The longitudinal ends of these flanges 30, located on the side of thefree end of the cap 3, are connected together by a transverse flange 3 cwhich is designed to cooperate with the aforementioned stop 94 of theend piece 9, as will be disclosed in more detail below with reference toFIG. 24.

FIG. 6 illustrates the circulation of air in the vicinity of a wiper 1according to the invention. The wiper 1 is shown in section along aplane transverse to its longitudinal direction in the region of thehalf-wiper located on the inside. The air arriving on the windscreen isdiverted upwardly via the streamlined portion of the central mounting 2(or that of the terminal cap 3) and passes between this streamlinedportion and the arm 10 (since the section is formed on the inside).

It is observed here that the lower longitudinal edges of thelongitudinal lateral walls 2 a, 2 b of the mounting 2 are not located inthe same position vertically or in the vertical direction (thehorizontal direction being substantially parallel to the windscreen andthus the vertical direction being substantially parallel to thewindscreen), the lower edge of the wall 2 a being located lower thanthat of the wall 2 b. In other words, the lower edge of the wall 2 a islocated substantially in a first substantially horizontal longitudinalplane P6 which is spaced apart therefrom and in this case below a secondsubstantially horizontal longitudinal plane P7 passing substantiallythrough the lower edge of the wall 2 b. This applies similarly to thelower edges of each of the terminal caps 3.

The wiping unit, i.e. the assembly of the three elements, stiffeningmember 6, member for retaining 7 and the wiper blade 8, appears belowthe streamlined portion of the central mounting 2 in the offset positionrelative to the top edge 2 d of this streamlined portion, on the side ofthe front wall of the air baffle. This positioning corresponds morespecifically to the centre of the lower ends of the walls of thestreamlined portion since said walls are in the extension of the lateralfaces of the central mounting in the region of its aperture 21, thus atits widest location. Also seen in this figure is the arrangement of thethree elements of the wiping unit: the member for retaining 7, in crosssection, has the shape of a closed parallelepipedal tube 72 from whichextend downwardly two hooks 73 oriented toward one another, thus forminga parallelepipedal cavity which is open downwardly. The stiffeningmember 7 is slipped into the upper tube 72 which it fills, whilstmaintaining the ability to slide longitudinally inside, whilst the wiperblade 8, most clearly visible in FIG. 8a , is carried by its upper part,or heel 81, which has a substantially rectangular shape, by the twohooks 73. The lower part 82 of the wiper blade 8 extends from the lowercavity of the member for retaining 7 in the direction of the windscreenand is terminated by a terminal part 83 which conventionally has theshape of an inverted fir tree.

FIG. 7 shows in perspective, in a view from below, the central mounting2, with means for fixing the wiping unit, which serves as a connector.The parts of the lateral walls 2 a, 2 b located on both sides of theaperture 21 extend downwardly until they pass the space allocated to theadapter 5 and each comprise two hooks 23 at their lower end. Each hook23 of one lateral wall 2 a is substantially opposite a hook 23 of theother lateral wall 2 b and extends toward said other hook. The means forfixing comprise, therefore, two pairs of lateral hooks, the hooks of onepair being longitudinally spaced apart from the hooks of the other pair.Each hook 23 defines a longitudinal notch 23 a which is configured toreceive the stiffening member 6 by longitudinal sliding. In the exampleshown, the transverse plane P passing through the pin 25 passessubstantially between the two pairs of hooks 23 and equidistanttherefrom.

The longitudinal extent of these hooks is slightly less than that of thecut-outs 71 which are formed in the member for retaining 7. As regardsthe lateral extent thereof, it is such that the spacing therebetween isgreater than the depth of the cut-outs 71, such that these means may beinserted into the internal cavity of the central mounting by introducingthem from the bottom. Finally, this spacing is less than the width ofthe member for retaining 7, such that said member for retaining is ableto rest on the hooks 23 after the positioning of the wiping unit.

Thus it is seen how the wiping unit is mounted on the central mounting2, which acts here as a connector: the member for retaining 7, possiblyprovided with its wiper blade 8 but without the stiffening member 6, isintroduced from the bottom into the internal cavity of the centralmounting 2, by passing the hooks 23 into the cut-outs 71 thereof. Atleast one substantially horizontal longitudinal plate forming a verticalstop (not shown in FIG. 7) generally extends above the hooks 23 to serveas a limit to the introduction of the member for retaining 7 in theinternal cavity in the lower part of the central mounting 2. In thisposition, the upper tube 72 of the member for retaining 7 is alignedwith the upper face of the hooks 23 which creates a continuous groovefor the passage of the stiffening member 6. The operator thereforeslides this stiffening member into the upper tube 72 from one of thelongitudinal ends of the member for retaining, causes it to pass throughthe central mounting 2 by sliding it on the hooks 23 in the region ofthe cut-outs 71 of the member for retaining, then pushes it to the otherend of the member for retaining. The wiping unit is then immobilizedvertically by the member for retaining which rests on the hooks 23 andlongitudinally by the overlapping of these same hooks 23 in the cut-outs71 of the member for retaining 7.

FIG. 8 illustrates three variants of the member for retaining 7 in whichthe upper tube 72 consists of a parallelepiped, the rectangle thereof incross section being either entirely closed (FIG. 8a ) or open on itslower face (FIG. 8b ), or open on its upper face (FIG. 8c ). In thethree cases, the tube remains sufficiently closed for the stiffeningmember 6 to be correctly retained in the tube 72. The three variants,however, preserve the same shape for the lower hooks 73 which serve forretaining the wiper blade 8.

Observed in these variants are small ribs 74 which extend longitudinallyover the internal surface of the tube 72 to apply compression onto thestiffening member 6 and to retain it longitudinally once it has beenforcibly introduced into this tube. Similarly, the heel 81 of the wiperblade 8 which is inserted by longitudinal sliding between the hooks 73of the member for retaining 7 comprises longitudinal protuberances whichrub against said hooks during the introduction of the blade so as toensure a certain longitudinal and lateral retention of this blade.

FIG. 9 and thereafter disclose in more detail the articulation betweenthe central mounting 2 and the terminal caps 3.

In FIG. 9 are seen the longitudinal walls 2 a at the front and 2 b atthe rear, which form the dihedron of the aerodynamic baffle of thecentral mounting 2 by being joined together on a top edge 2 d, thisdihedron being terminated longitudinally by a transverse wall 2 c whichcloses the dihedron. From this transverse wall 2 c extends a finger 4.It will therefore be appreciated that the finger 4 protrudes from thetransverse wall 2 c towards the outside of the mounting. This finger 4is of substantially parallelepipedal shape which is traversed by anorifice 41 designed to serve as a support to the pin 31 which permitsthe pivoting of the corresponding cap 3.

FIG. 10 shows in section said terminal cap 3 mounted on the centralmounting 2 with a pivot pin of the cap 31 which extends from one of thelateral walls of the cap and traverses the orifice 41 of the finger 4.

With reference to FIG. 11, the interior of the part of the cap 2 whichcooperates with the central mounting 2 is seen. Inside the dihedronformed by the longitudinal walls 3 a and 3 b of the cap extend tworeinforcements 32 a and 32 b which bear against said longitudinal wallsand which extend to form two planar faces, both oriented in a verticalplane and facing one another. From these two planar faces extend twojournals 31 a and 31 b which are aligned and together form the pin 31 onwhich the cap 3 rotates. The spacing left between the two journals 31 aand 31 b is sufficiently small and in any case less than the length ofthe orifice 41, so that said journals retain the finger 4 once mounted,and sufficiently wide for the finger to be able to be inserted thereinby separating the two longitudinal walls 3 a and 3 b from one anotherdue to the flexibility of the cap. The upper face 43 of the finger 4 maybe chamfered to facilitate this insertion. The insertion takes placehere in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axisof the finger 4. The finger 4 comprises on its lateral faces twosubstantially vertical apertures 41 a which extend substantially betweenthe upper face 43 and the orifice 41. Said apertures 41 a are designedfor receiving and guiding the journals 31 a, 31 b during the mounting ofthe finger in the aforementioned direction.

It is also observed in FIG. 11 that the upper longitudinal edges of thewalls 3 a, 3 b are connected together to form an upper longitudinal edge3 d of the cap.

FIG. 12 shows, in a view from below, the central mounting 2 and aterminal cap 3 assembled, the finger 4 being positioned between the tworeinforcements 32 a and 32 b and, in a manner which is not visible, thetwo journals 31 a and 31 b being inserted into the orifice 41 of thisfinger.

Alternatively, not shown, the finger 4 may carry two journals extendingon both sides of its lateral faces and the reinforcements of the cap 3comprise in this case holes into which said journals are inserted.

With reference now to FIGS. 13 to 16, a device is seen which permits theangular amplitude of the articulation between the central mounting 2 andthe terminal caps 3 to be limited. More specifically, an angle which istoo great would be disadvantageous for correct wiping of the windscreen,in that the pressure of the wiper on the windscreen would not beuniformly distributed. The maximum acceptable angle for the fracturebetween the central mounting 2 and each of the terminal caps 3 is, asseen in FIG. 13, 165° for example. It is appropriate, therefore, toposition stops on the two elements to prevent this value from beingexceeded. The positioning of these stops, which is most advantageous toobtain this angular limitation, consists in positioning them as close aspossible to the pin 31 for pivoting the cap 3.

FIG. 14 shows a first embodiment for positioning these stops, in whichthe cap 3 comprises in the internal space defined by its longitudinalwalls 3 a, 3 b a protruding stop 33 which extends above the finger 4.This stop 33 is configured to cooperate with the finger 4 in order todefine an extreme pivoting position of the cap 3 relative to themounting 2. The stop is formed by a rib 33 which extends transverselybetween the internal faces of the longitudinal walls 3 a, 3 b of the cap3. The lower free end of the rib 33 is chamfered so as to define abearing face. For improved cooperation with this stop, the finger 4comprises a chamfer at its free end 43 a forming a stop, the plane ofsaid chamfer being aligned with the lower plane of the rib 33 when saidrib is in abutment against the finger 4, i.e. when the cap 3 is at itsmaximum angular extension.

FIGS. 15 and 16 disclose respectively in section and in perspective afurther embodiment for the positioning of these stops. The cap 3comprises here a protruding stop 33′ formed by a substantiallylongitudinal rib. This rib 33′ is oriented from top to bottom andextends from the top edge of the terminal cap 3. It thus extends in thiscase from the area for connecting the upper longitudinal edges of thelongitudinal walls 3 a, 3 b of the cap. The lower free end of the rib33′ is chamfered to define a bearing face. The finger 4 carries here anoverthickness 43 b on its upper face 43 which is brought opposite therib 33′. This overthickness 43 b of substantially parallelepipedal shapealigned with the longitudinal direction and with the direction ofelongation of the finger comprises toward the outside, as above, achamfered part, the plane thereof being aligned with the lower plane ofthe rib 33′, when said rib is in abutment with the finger 4.

In the two cases shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the rib 33, 33′ forms aprotruding stop. The free end 43 a of the finger 4 carrying the chamferforms a protruding stop and the overthickness 43 b also forms aprotruding stop. The mounting 2 and the caps 3 cooperate together,therefore, by means of the protruding stops.

FIGS. 17 and 18 describe the manner in which the two ends of the centralmounting 2 and the corresponding cap 3 cooperate. In FIG. 17 is seen thetransverse wall 2 c which closes the dihedron of the mounting 2 and fromwhich the finger 4 extends. In this embodiment of a windscreen wiper,this wall 2 c defines a peripheral edge 102 c which reproduces the shapeof the longitudinal walls 2 a, 2 b of the central mounting 2 by reducingit into a homothetic transformation having a ratio of slightly lessthan 1. This edge 102 c is similar to a groove of the external peripheryof the mounting 2. It extends longitudinally from the end of thelongitudinal walls 2 a, 2 b over a relatively short length, rangingbetween 1 and 5 mm. The edge 102 c extends over the entire transverseand vertical extent of the longitudinal walls 2 a, 2 b.

Similarly, the longitudinal end of the terminal cap 3 has a hollow shapeand in turn defines a peripheral edge 103 c which may receive theperipheral edge 102 c of the central mounting 2. The edge 102 c thusforms a male edge engaged in the edge 103 c which is a female edge. Theedge 103 c reproduces the shape of the longitudinal walls 3 a, 3 b ofthe cap 3.

In this manner, and taking into account the selected length for theperipheral edge 102 c, by engaging in the longitudinal end of theterminal cap 3, said peripheral edge is covered thereby, whether thearticulation is in the position where the streamlined portions arealigned or in the maximum angular open position. This configurationprovides an aerodynamic continuity to the streamlined portions of thecentral mounting 2 and the terminal caps 3, by preventing aircirculating on the windscreen from escaping there between. As a result,it permits the aerodynamic efficiency of the wiper to be improved, bypreventing the level of pressure which is applied thereto by the airfrom being reduced.

FIG. 19 shows the central mounting 2 in a longitudinal direction.Upstream of the aperture 21 of the mounting, the dihedron which isformed by the longitudinal walls 2 a and 2 b and the top edge 2 d wherethey are joined together is seen in this figure.

It is observed in FIG. 19 that the finger 4 has an axis of elongationextending in a longitudinal plane P3 which is substantiallyperpendicular to said corresponding pivot pin 31 and which passessubstantially through the top edge 2 d of the dihedron. It is alsoobserved that the plane P3 is parallel to, and spaced apart from, thecentral longitudinal plane P1 of the aperture 21. This plane P1 passesthrough the centre of the means for fixing to hooks 23. It may be notedthat the edge 2 d extends substantially parallel to, and remotely from,the plane P1. It is located in the plane P3.

Also seen in FIG. 19 are the means for fixing the wiping unit. Inparticular, the hooks 23 for supporting the member for retaining 7 areseen, said hooks in this case forming part of a parallelepipedalassembly which extends longitudinally over the entire length of thehooks 23 and from which two notches 23 a are hollowed out, positionedsymmetrically on both sides of the lower edges of the dihedron formed bythe lateral walls 2 a and 2 b. These notches 23 a form a guide for thepassage of the stiffening member 6 during the fixing of the member forretaining 7 on the central mounting 2. The upper wall of thisparallelepiped in turn forms the longitudinal plate forming the verticalstop during the introduction of the member for retaining 7 in theinternal cavity of the central mounting 2.

For reasons of optimizing the aerodynamic performance of the streamlinedportions of the central mounting 2 or the terminal caps 3, the top edge2 d is offset laterally downstream (in relation to the direction ofcirculation of the flow of air) relative to the central plane P1 of thewiping unit or the centre of the central mounting 2. For reasons ofimproved mechanical strength, the finger 4 is positioned substantiallybelow the dihedron formed by the longitudinal walls 2 a and 2 b, i.e. ata position where the density of the material for this dihedron is at itsgreatest.

With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, a particular embodiment is seen of awiper adapted to windscreen wipers of small size. In this embodiment,the length of the terminal caps 3 is small relative to that of thecentral mounting 2. This type of windscreen wiper is adapted to windowsof small dimensions, and as a result of small curvature, such as forexample a rear window of a motor vehicle. As a result, it is notnecessary to use an articulation which offsets the axis of the terminalcaps 3 from that of the central mounting 2. However, for reasons ofsaving costs in terms of logistics, it is important for the manufacturerto reduce the number of parts. To achieve this, the invention specifiesretaining a single model of central mounting 2 and, as a result, thesame adapter 5 for a plurality of models. As a result, it becomespossible to propose a terminal cap 3 which comprises a device forblocking the rotation thereof relative to this central mounting, whilstconserving the same means for fixing to the central mounting 2.

Between the two reinforcements 32 a and 32 b of the lateral walls 3 aand 3 b and the journals 31 a and 31 b which usually serve as a pivotpin for the cap, a rib of the cap 34 which extends longitudinally onboth sides of the pin formed by the two journals is seen in FIG. 20. Itis positioned and extends vertically such that, in the position of theassembled cap, it is in contact with the upper face 43 of the finger 4and forms a protruding stop preventing the rotation of the cap 3 aboutsaid finger 4.

FIG. 21 shows a short cap 3 mounted on the central mounting 2. Itsinside end bears against the outside end of the central mounting and,not visible in the figure, the rib of the cap 34 blocks any rotation ofthe cap in either direction. However, it may be noted that the rib 34 isonly able to extend on one side relative to the journals 31 a and 31 bby preventing the rotation of the cap in the closing direction, theblockage during opening being provided by the cooperation of thecombined longitudinal ends of the cap 3 and the central mounting 2.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show, respectively in the disassembled version and inthe assembled version, a variant of the streamlined portion of a wiperdesigned for a windscreen wiper of small size. In contrast to FIGS. 20and 21, the streamlined portion of the two terminal caps 3 is producedhere in one piece with that of the central mounting 2. The devices usedfor articulation such as the finger 4 or the journals 31 a and 31 b aretherefore dispensed with. Thus the production of the caps isfacilitated. Also, for reasons of uniformity of appearance of the rangeof the windscreen wiper products, grooves 2 x are designed on the commoncap, in the region where the articulations would be located between thecentral mounting 2 and the terminal caps 3.

FIG. 22 also shows the internal part of the central mounting 2, whetherit is formed in one piece with the terminal caps 3 or not, Takingaccount of the elongation of this central mounting 2, it may benecessary to place reinforcing or stiffening ribs 24 or strip 24′ insidethe dihedron formed by the two longitudinal walls 2 a and 2 b. Theinvention specifies providing a crossbar 24 shape thereto, the commonaxis thereof being oriented vertically, i.e. it extends from the edge inthe direction of the base of the dihedron or strip 24′. Due to theflaring of the dihedron toward the bottom, said reinforcing ribs 24constitute ideal bearing points to ensure the ejection of the centralmounting from the injection mould, said parts generally being made ofpolymer material and produced by a hot injection-moulding process.

According to the invention it is also possible to provide at least onerib, preferably two, extending substantially transversely to thedirection of extension of the central mounting 2.

The ribs 24 may thus comprise at least one mark of a bearing point forthe ejection of the mounting 2 from a manufacturing mould. This mark isgenerally located on the lower free edge of the rib 24. At least onemark may be located in the joining area of the intersecting ribs visiblein FIG. 22.

In FIG. 24 is illustrated the junction between the end piece 9 and aterminal cap 3, said terminal cap being shown in section along a centrallongitudinal plane. As indicated above, the end piece 9 has asubstantially parallelepipedal shape, having an opening on its facewhich is oriented in the direction of the central mounting 2. Itcomprises, therefore, an upper face 91 and a lower face 92 which areconnected by lateral faces 93, and a closed terminal face which islocated on the side opposing the central mounting 2. As indicated withreference to FIG. 5, the inside of the end piece comprises twolongitudinal internal housings 92 a, 92 b forming slides for thestiffening member 6 and for the wiper blade 8, respectively, in additionto a housing 92 c for receiving part of the member 7.

On the upper face 91 of the end piece 9 is positioned a protruding stop94 having a ramp shape which rises from this upper face, moving awaytoward the outside of the wiper. The stop face, which is orientedtransversely, is directed in the direction of the outside of the wiper,i.e. in a direction which is substantially parallel to the axis ofelongation of the end piece 9. This stop 94 has the purpose ofcooperating with the transverse flange 3 c carried by the terminal cap 3which is associated with the end piece 9. This stop 94 has the purposeof limiting the curvature of the member for retaining 7 when thecurvature of the windscreen increases and, by reducing the angle betweenthe central mounting 2 and the terminal cap 3, of controlling the radiusof curvature of the member for retaining 7. It thus forces said memberfor retaining, which remains more rectilinear, to maintain a significantbearing on the windscreen in the centre of the wiper which achieves amore regular wiping action during the rotation of the windscreen wiper.

As shown in the figure, the transverse flange 3 c of the cap 3 whichcooperates with the protruding stop 94 consists of the terminal wall ofthe terminal cap 3. In alternative versions, it consists of a ribextending transversely between the two lateral walls 3 a, 3 b of theterminal cap 3, upstream of the end face of the cap 3. Thisconfiguration makes it possible to obtain an alignment for the terminalfaces, both of the cap and the end piece, which improves the aerodynamicperformance of the wiper.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show a variant of the arrangement of the respectivestops of the end piece 9 and of the terminal cap 3. One protruding stop94′ is positioned here on the internal side, on each lateral face 93 ofthe end piece, with a ramp shape and an orientation similar to theprotruding stop 94 disclosed above: the ramp rises from the lateral face93 in the external direction with a stop face oriented transverselyrelative to the longitudinal direction of the wiper. The terminal cap 3comprises, in this case, second protruding stops 35 capable ofcooperating with the protruding stops 94′ of the end piece 9, in theregion of its lateral flanges 30 which extend vertically at the lowerend of the longitudinal walls 3 a and 3 b. The stops 35 protrude overthe substantially parallel, internal faces of the lateral flanges 30. Tothis end, they have the shape of a ramp extending from the correspondingvertical wall but on this occasion in the internal direction. The stopfaces thereof are in turn oriented transversely relative to thelongitudinal direction of the wiper.

With reference to FIGS. 27 to 29, the end piece of a terminal cap 3 isseen, at a short distance from its outside end. A transverse guide wall36 which bears against the entire height of the longitudinal wallsextends transversely between the longitudinal walls 3 a and 3 b forminga dihedron. The wall 36 ensures the stiffening of the cap. It extendshere between the lateral flanges 30 of the walls 3 a, 3 b.

This transverse wall 36 is cut out in a substantially rectangular shapeto serve as means for guiding the wiping unit, i.e. essentially for themember for retaining 7 which contains the stiffening member 6 and whichcarries the wiper blade 8. The rectangular shape is open, moreover,toward the bottom to permit the passage of the wiper blade 8. As aresult, at the bottom, the transverse wall 36 is in the form of twolateral guide hooks 37 extending from its vertical parts in twohorizontal parts which are positioned opposite one another and which areseparated by a space corresponding substantially to the thickness of themember for retaining 7 in this region. At the top, the transverse wall36 is shown as a wall connecting the vertical parts of the two hooks 37.Said two hooks 37 form means of supporting the member for retaining 7,and the rectangular cut-out in the transverse wall 36 serves as meansfor guiding this member, for the sliding thereof in the cap 3 when thecap 3 is articulated relative to the central mounting 2.

FIG. 28 shows, in particular, the shape of the rectangular cut-outformed in the transverse guide wall 36. The three non-open sides of thisrectangle comprise, substantially in the centre thereof, protuberancesin the form of lugs 38 which protrude toward the inside of therectangle. Said protuberances form bearing points approximately atregular intervals for the member for retaining 7 when it is introducedinto said rectangular cut-out. Said bearing points at regular intervalsserve to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and permit, due totheir regular nature, improved guidance and easier sliding. The verticalpart of each hook 37 comprises here, substantially in the centrethereof, a lug 38, the free end thereof being configured to cooperatewith the member 7. The upper part of the wall 36 connecting the upperends of the vertical parts of the hooks 37 also comprises, substantiallyin the centre thereof, a lug 38 for bearing at regular intervals againstthe member. The lugs 38 here have a generally rounded shape.

The guide hooks 37 for supporting the member for retaining 7, thelongitudinal thickness thereof being greater than that of the transversewall 36, are seen in FIG. 29. This overthickness is positioned on theside of the central mounting 2 and has the shape of a ramp 39 thickeningfrom the lower edge of the longitudinal wall 3 a or 3 b of the terminalcap 3 to join the transverse wall 36 in the region of the upper edge ofthe hook. The ramps 39 comprise substantially coplanar inclined guidefaces. The ramps permit the end of the member for retaining 7 to beguided when it is introduced into the transverse wall and to facilitateits passage through said wall when put in position.

FIGS. 30a and 30b show the central mounting 2 in a view from above, withits aperture 21 in which the adapter 5 is positioned, designed to bemounted on the arm 10 extending respectively to the right or to the leftof each of the figures. It may be seen that the size and shape of theaperture 21 are adapted to a positioning in either direction of theadapter 5. In other words, the aperture 21 is configured to permit themounting of the adapter 5 and the clipping thereof on the pin 25 in afirst position in which a first longitudinal end of the adapter isoriented toward a first longitudinal end of the aperture, and in asecond position in which the first longitudinal end of the adapter isoriented toward a second longitudinal end opposing the aperture.

The opening of the aperture 21 located at its upper end is delimited bya peripheral edge of generally rectangular shape.

The length of the aperture 21 leaves sufficient space for the arm 10,which exceeds the adapter 5 in length, to be able to rotate withoutinterfering with the side of the aperture which opposes the direction ofextension of the arm.

Preferably, the aperture 21 has a dual symmetry, both longitudinal(relative to a central transverse plane P2), the adapter 5 generallyalso being subject to longitudinal symmetry, and transverse (relative toa central longitudinal plane P1) to facilitate the mounting of the wiper1 on an arm 10 which rotates in either direction. This configuration ofdual symmetry permits the same central mounting 2 to be used for the twowipers, such that the two wipers (left and right) for wiping thewindscreen of a vehicle are displaced in a coordinated manner or theyrotate in opposing directions.

FIG. 31 shows, in section along the central longitudinal plane P1, anadapter 5 installed in a central mounting 2. The aperture 21 of thecentral mounting 2 is traversed laterally by the transverse pivot pin 25which connects the two parallel vertical faces 22 of the centre of thecentral mounting 2 and which serves as a support for the adapter 5.

The pivot pin 25 is solid with the central mounting 2. Said pivot pin 25is formed as an integral part with the central mounting 2. The twolateral walls 2 a and 2 b of the central mounting 2 are connected bysaid pivot pin 25. In other words, the pivot pin 25 may be moulded asone with the mounting 2, from the same material and during the sameinjection-moulding step.

The adapter comprises at its centre 5, as may be seen in FIG. 32, acylindrical housing 51 to receive this transverse pin by resilientclipping. The adapter 5 substantially has an elongated parallelepipedalshape in the longitudinal direction with two lateral flanges 52connected together by a central portion which defines the cylindricalhousing 51. It also comprises, on each lateral flange 52, a longitudinalextension 52 a, the object thereof being to serve as a stop for limitingthe rotation of the adapter 5 in certain applications. However, to avoidrupture of one of the elements of the adapter when handled incorrectlyin rotation, the invention proposes to raise the vertical position ofthe pin 25 on the parallel vertical faces 22 of the centre of thecentral mounting 2, such that it permits an angular rotation of theadapter in which the longitudinal extensions 52 a do not interfere withthe means for fixing the wiping unit, namely the hooks 23.

To achieve this, the radius R1 of the adapter 5 in the region of thelongitudinal extensions 52 a which is located in the range of 15 mm, andmore generally between 10 and 20 mm, is shorter by approximately 1 mmthan the radius R2 at which the most central point of the hooks 23 islocated for fixing the member for retaining 7 (see FIG. 31). The radiusR1 is the maximum radius of a first circumference centred on the pin 25and passing substantially through the extensions 52 a of the adapter 5,and the radius R2 is a maximum radius of a second circumference centredon the pin 25 and passing substantially through the upper ends of thehooks 23.

If the two longitudinal extensions 52 a do not interfere with the hooks23 and permit the adapter 5 to rotate without obstruction, it isnevertheless necessary to limit this rotation to avoid too great anangular deviation of the wiper, which could lead to the rupture of oneof its elements. To achieve this, a lug 53 extends laterally from theupper edge of one of the lateral flanges 52 of the adapter 5, on theside opposing its other lateral flange, which enables it to come intoabutment against a peripheral edge of the aperture 21, for example tolimit the angular displacement of the adapter 5 about the pin 25. Theinternal faces 22 comprise notches 22 a for receiving and displacingsaid lug 53.

The interior of the aperture 21 of the central mounting 2 which extendslongitudinally between the lateral walls 2 a, 2 b of this mounting isnow seen with reference to FIGS. 33 to 35. On both sides of this centralpart extend the front 2 a and rear 2 b longitudinal parts, withreference to the direction of circulation of the air. As indicatedabove, the transverse pivot pin 25 connects the two parallel lateralwalls 22 so as to support the adapter 5 which is fixed above byinterlocking, engagement or resilient clipping.

Due to the relatively large elongation of the aperture 21, the portionsof lateral walls 2 a, 2 b located in the region of the aperture may havea certain fragility when handled and the invention specifies addingmeans 26 for connecting and stiffening between the internal lateralfaces 22 of the aperture 21, in this case in the form of crossmembers 26which each have the shape of an elongated bar. As shown, saidcrossmembers 26 extend parallel to the pivot pin 25 by being positionedsubstantially at the same height as this pin, and substantially in thecentre of the distance existing between the pin 25 and the longitudinalend of the aperture 21. Said crossmembers 26 are formed by materialbridges connecting the two lateral faces 22, They are of the removabletype in this case, i.e. they may be taken off. They may be broken or cutoff or dismantled and they may, in particular, be unclipped. In thiscase, they have sections to be broken, namely a fragile area or weakenedportion at each of their ends, so as to be able to be ruptured in theregion of the faces 22, without leaving a protuberance which mightinterfere with the rotation of the adapter 5. More specifically, thepresence of two crossmembers 26 on the same central mounting 2, whichcorresponds to a configuration immediately after manufacture, is notsuitable to the use of such a central mounting, as one of saidcrossmembers would consequently limit the rotation of the adapter 5.During the mounting of a windscreen wiper it is appropriate to select inwhich direction this mounting will be installed on the arm of the wiper.Depending on this selection, one of the crossmembers 26 is fractured,which provides the required freedom of rotation to the arm and itsadapter 5 in the central mounting. As visible in FIG. 35, the secondcrossmember is preserved as it does not interfere with this rotation.The invention thus provides a simplification in the production of thecentral mountings 2 and in the logistics thereof, since this is a singlemodel which is adapted to all directions of rotation of a windscreenwiper, by means of the prior rupture of one of the two crossmembers 26.The presence of two crossmembers and then one crossmember 26 providesthe required rigidity to the parallel lateral walls 22, firstly duringtransport for its conveyance to the mounting location and then duringuse on a windscreen. The two crossmembers 26 in this case are arrangedsymmetrically relative to the transverse plane P2 passing substantiallythrough the centre of the aperture 21.

Moreover, the aperture 21 has at each of its longitudinal ends anessentially transverse cut-out 21 a, which longitudinally extends thecut-out of the aperture 21. In this cut-out is positioned a pin 27 whichis oriented transversely and which may be used as pivot pin or supportpin to a closure cap as will be explained below with reference to FIGS.36 to 43.

A central mounting 2 in which the aperture 21 is partially sealed by twoclosure caps 28 a and 28 b is seen in FIG. 36. More specifically, whilstthe aperture 21 has to be sufficiently long to be able to insert anadapter 5 therein and then the arm on which said adapter is fixed, itsopening at the top proves to be disadvantageous after the positioning ofthese elements, both for aesthetic reasons and aerodynamic reasons, thehollow of the aperture being able to create turbulence in the air whichcirculates on the windscreen. The invention specifies, therefore, theinstallation of two closure caps 28 a, 28 b which cap the aperture 21and which close the upper face of the central part of the centralmounting 2 to form a capped central mounting. Taking account of thepresence of the arm and the adapter 5 which are not symmetrical in atransverse plane, the two openings left open at the ends of the aperture21 are not identical or symmetrical. Thus a front closure cap 28 a isidentified which is positioned toward the outside relative to the arm ofthe wiper and a rear closure cap 28 b is identified which is positionedon the inside. Thus, a first capping 28 a is configured to seal alongitudinal end piece of the aperture 21 and the second capping 28 b isconfigured to seal an opposing longitudinal end piece of the aperture.

The positioning of these caps may be implemented in two different ways.As shown in the figures, the front cap 28 a is mounted so as to bemobile in rotation about the pin 27 of the front cut-out 21 a whilst therear cap 28 b is fixedly mounted on the pin 27 which traverses the rearcut-out 28 b.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show, therefore, the capacity for rotation of the frontcap 28 a about its pin 27. In FIG. 37, the front cap is raised andpermits the longitudinal space to appear, said longitudinal space beingopened to permit the insertion of the arm 10 carrying the wiper into theaperture 21 and the passage thereof about the adapter 5. FIG. 38 showsthe front cap closed and the continuity of the surfaces between theupper face of the central mounting 2, the front cap 28 a and the arm 10carrying the wiper. Finally, FIG. 39 shows, in a view from below, thefront cap 28 a in position in the aperture 21.

FIG. 40 shows in more detail the shape of the front cap 28 a. Itcomprises an upper face 281 a, the shape thereof (in this case notplanar) being formed so as to extend the shape of the upper face of thecentral mounting 2 and to provide an aerodynamic continuity between saidtwo elements. The lower face 282 a is formed by stiffeners whichintersect one another so as to provide rigidity to the part and whichextend vertically until they come into contact with the upper face 281a. At the front, i.e. toward the outside of the wiper, the upper face281 a is terminated by a transverse cylinder 283 a which is open over alimited amplitude sector. This cylinder has an inside diameter which hasa value slightly greater than that of the pin 27, such that the pin 27may serve as a rotational axis for the front cap; the opening sector ofthis cylinder is such that the pin 27 may pass into this sector byresilient clipping and then it is retained therein after clipping.Finally, two vertically oriented tabs 284 a which extend from the upperface 281 a are seen on the sides of the front cap. At the rear of thesetwo tabs 284 a, two second tabs 285 a also extend vertically. Moreover,a hook 286 a which also runs vertically extends in the region of eachside of the capping between the tabs 284 a, 285 a. The hooks 286 a areresiliently deformable and are designed to cooperate by resilientclipping with a complementary means of the mounting 2.

The two first tabs 284 a which open into the aperture 21 and which areinterlocked in guides or recesses 29 of the aperture 21 are seen in FIG.39. These guides are formed, on the one hand, by the lateral faces 22 ofthe central part of the central mounting 2 and, on the other hand, bypartitions 29 a parallel to these faces, offset to the inside of theaperture 21, said parallel partitions 29 a being attached by smalltransverse partitions 29 b to the lateral faces 22 to close the recessforming a guide. The first tabs 284 a serve to position the cap 28 a inthe aperture 21. The hooks 286 a cooperate with the lower ends of thepartitions 29 b to ensure the locking of the cap in the mounted positionthereof.

Moreover, the longitudinal end of one of the stiffeners of the cap 28 a,opposing the cylinder 283 a, forms a means 282 a′ for bearing andretaining the adapter 5 and/or the arm 10.

FIGS. 41 to 43 show the rear cap 28 b and its positioning in theaperture 21. As they have the same function as the similar elements ofthe front cap, the elements of the rear cap are denoted by the samereference numerals, the letter a being replaced by a letter b; and theyare not described further.

FIG. 42 shows the direction in which the positioning of this cap takesplace. Whilst the front cap 28 a was attached to a pin 27 and was mobilein rotation about said pin, the rear cap 28 b is positioned by avertical translation in order to be positioned therein by clipping in afixed manner. As a result, as may be seen in FIG. 43, the cylinder 283 bof the rear cap has an open sector, the opening thereof being orientedin the downward direction. The rotation about said pin 27 is preventedby the presence of the first tabs 284 b, the side thereof opposing thecylinder 283 b cooperating over its entire height with the smalltransverse wall and blocking any rotation. As a result, the presence ofhooks is no longer required. Similarly, the end of the aperture 21,which is illustrated in FIG. 41, is simplified relative to that of FIG.39, and only comprises one guide 29 for accommodating only the firstplates.

A central mounting 2 connected to a drive arm 10 of the windscreen wiperis now seen with reference to FIG. 44. This arm has, in the knownmanner, an end bent back in a circular-arc shape or in a U-shape, inwhich the adapter 5 is positioned, said adapter serving to permit themounting of the same model of wiper on a plurality of types of arm andthus to enable it to be mounted on various vehicles. The arm 10 and theadapter 5 rotate, as indicated above, about a pivot pin 25 which extendsbetween the two parallel lateral faces 22 of the central mounting 2 andonto which the adapter is clipped. The arm 10 has to be able to rotateabout the pivot pin in the direction of removal by a large angle topermit the mounting of the wiper on the arm, but it is also advantageousto provide it with a certain degree of freedom in rotation in thedirection of approach toward the wiper so that said wiper is perfectlyadapted to the curvature of the windscreen. To this end, the inventionspecifies raising the pivot pin 25 vertically, said pivot pin in thiscase being located in a longitudinal plane P4 above a longitudinalparallel plane P5 passing substantially through the upper ends of thelongitudinal end parts of the mounting, i.e. through the upper edge 2 d(see also FIG. 31). The planes P4 and P5 are in this case substantiallyhorizontal.

As disclosed hereinafter, the upper longitudinal edges of the lateralwalls 2 a, 2 b are separated from one another in the region of theaperture 21 so as to define the peripheral edges of this aperture. Theseperipheral edges each have a convex curved shape and have (C-shaped)upper ends located above the planes P4 and P5.

In this manner, the arm 10 may be moved toward the wiper and form withits longitudinal direction a negative angle (with reference to theclearance for mounting the wiper which is regarded as the positivedirection of rotation). This angle is preferably in the range of 3 to 4degrees and, in any case, ranges between 0 and 5 degrees.

FIG. 45 shows in a view from below a terminal cap 3 with, at one of itslongitudinal ends, reinforcements 32 a and 32 b as explained withreference to FIG. 11, and at the other end a transverse guide wall 36for the passage of the member for retaining 7. Taking into account theelongation of this part, which may be relatively large in the case ofwipers of large dimensions, and as the length of the central mounting 2is preferably the same for all of the wiper models, the inventionspecifies installing transverse stiffening ribs 310 at several locationsof the terminal cap 3. These ribs 310 essentially have a triangularshape so as to be adapted to the dihedral shape formed by the twolongitudinal walls 3 a and 3 b of the cap. They are positionedlongitudinally in an equidistant manner, the majority being positionedbetween the reinforcements 32 a and 32 b and the guide wall 36, and anadditional transverse rib being positioned beyond this transverse guidewall. Apart from their function of stiffening the terminal cap 3, saidribs 310 comprise a bearing point on their lower side which isconfigured to support the pressure which is exerted by the ejector of aninjection-moulding machine when producing the cap. In one particularembodiment, not shown, the rib is a double rib formed by twointersecting ribs, the bearing point for the ejector thus beingpositioned at the junction of the two ribs.

In FIG. 45 it is also observed that the central longitudinal plane P1 ofthe means for articulation 31 a, 31 b of the cap, which is substantiallyvertical, is substantially parallel and spaced apart from a secondcentral longitudinal plane P9 of said means for guiding 36, 37.

FIGS. 46 and 47 show two versions of a windscreen wiper with a centralmounting 2 and with two terminal caps 3 which are attached to saidcentral mounting. For reasons of simplicity of production and logistics,the invention specifies homogenizing the central mountings 2 which arethe most complex parts, and only to vary the length of the terminal caps3 to adjust the wiper 1 to the length which is appropriate for aspecific application. Whichever wiper is to be provided to a givenvehicle, the central mounting 2 is identical and thus interchangeable.Taking account of the average lengths observed on windscreen wipers ofvehicles in use, the length selected for the central mounting istypically between 15 and 30 cm.

Moreover, it is appropriate to respect the relative dimensions betweenthe central mounting 2 and the terminal caps 3, so that the angle formedby these caps with the central mounting remains within relatively smallvalues. Otherwise, the wiping carried out by the central mounting 2and/or that carried out by the terminal caps 3 will not be of goodquality as the contact is not made over the entire length of therelevant element or, if it takes place, the pressure on the windscreenwill not be uniform. To avoid this drawback, the invention specifiesmaintaining a ratio between the length of the central mounting and thetotal length of the wiper within certain limits. After examining theresults of various wiping tests, the invention specifies a value ofbetween 20 and 70% for the ratio between the half-length L1 of thecentral mounting 2 (i.e. the distance between the transverse plane P2passing through the transverse pivot pin 25 and a further transverseplane P8 passing through the pivot pin 31 of the terminal caps) and thehalf-length L2, L2′ of the wiper (i.e. the distance between the firstplane passing through the transverse pivot pin 25 and the longitudinalend of the terminal cap 3). Preferably, this ratio is between 25 and 65%and, for example, between 27 and 59%.

The invention further proposes a method for mounting streamlinedportions for streamlined flat windscreen wipers, in particular for avehicle, comprising a step of mounting a short streamlined portion 1′and a step of mounting a long streamlined portion 1. The step ofmounting a short streamlined portion 1′ comprises the assembly of afirst central mounting part 2 with a first terminal cap part 3′ for theshort streamlined portion, and the step of mounting a long streamlinedportion 1 comprises the assembly of said first central mounting part 2with a second terminal cap part 3 for a long streamlined portion 3.

FIGS. 48 to 54 disclose an embodiment of the invention which is suitablefor mounting on a windscreen wiper, called the rod-shaped arm, whichdoes not have a terminal U-shape but the shape of a substantiallyrectilinear rod.

FIGS. 48 and 49 show respectively in the assembled position and in theexploded position a central mounting 2 which is identical to that of thepreceding embodiment, in which an adapter 5′ is inserted which isslightly modified relative to the previous adapter, so as to adapt tothe mounting to a rod-shaped arm 10′.

FIG. 50 shows the cooperation between the modified adapter 5′ and therod-shaped arm 10′ whilst FIGS. 51 and 52 show respectively the modifiedadapter 5′ and the rod-shaped arm 10′.

The modified adapter 5′ has, as disclosed above, substantially anelongated parallelepipedal shape in the longitudinal direction with twolateral flanges 52 connected together by a central portion which definesa cylindrical housing 51 for the resilient clipping of the transversepivot pin 25 which passes through the aperture 21 of the centralmounting 2. It also comprises on each lateral flange 52 a longitudinalextension 52 a, the object thereof being to serve as a stop to limit therotation of the adapter in certain applications and a lug 53 which comesinto abutment against one of the parallel lateral faces 22 of the centreof the central mounting 2 when the adapter is in a maximum rotationalposition.

The modified adapter 5′ comprises, moreover, a transverse plate 54 whichconnects the lateral flanges 52 at their upper region, thus forming acover for the adapter and defining a longitudinal housing in which thedistal end of the rod-shaped arm 10′ is inserted. Said longitudinalhousing in this case is open at its two longitudinal ends. The uppertransverse plate 54 is extended toward the inside, with reference to therotation of the arm, by a longitudinal tab 55 of planar and elongatedshape which comprises in the vicinity of its end opposing the plate 54 aretaining finger 56 which extends vertically downward, so as to be ableto cooperate with a notch 101 formed in the arm 10′. The lower part ofthe transverse plate 54 and of the longitudinal tab 55 are such thatthey form a space in which the rod-shaped arm 10′ may slide and behoused. Taking account of its elongation, the longitudinal tab has acertain degree of flexibility and it is attached to the plate 54 by aresilient connection which naturally drives it downwardly, which tendsto maintain its contact with the rod-shaped arm over its entire length.The tab 55 extends substantially in a plane P10 passing through an upperend of the adapter.

The longitudinal housing of the adapter 5′ which receives a free end ofthe rod-shaped arm 10′ is located in the upper part of the adapter,notably above the cylindrical housing 51. This longitudinal housing isdelimited at least by the plate 54, the longitudinal tab 55 extendingfrom this plate 54. Such an arrangement of the longitudinal tab 55 makesit possible to prevent interference, which means to say physicalcontact, between the central mounting 2 and the rod-shaped arm 10′. Therod-shaped arm 10′ becomes inserted in the upper part of the adapter 5′without the risk of touching the central mounting 2, notably a terminalpart of the baffle-shape thereof, or a terminal part of a baffle thatthis central mounting 2 carries.

Regarding the rod-shaped arm 10′, visible in FIG. 52, without this beingimperative, it has a lowered portion on its terminal part so as to forma second planar part which is located at a lower height than the firstpart. This shape has the purpose of making it closer geometrically tothe adapter used. It comprises a notch 101 which is remote from its end,such that the retaining finger 56 carried by the longitudinal tab 55 islongitudinally at the same level when the rod-shaped arm is insertedinto the adapter.

FIGS. 53 and 54 show the rod-shaped arm 10′ in its housing below thelongitudinal tab 55 and the transverse plate 54, respectively in a viewfrom above and from below and in longitudinal section. The retainingfinger 56 is inserted into the notch 101 of the rod-shaped arm, whichensures the fixing of the rod-shaped arm 10′ and the adapter 5′, thisconfiguration being reversible due to the longitudinal flexibility ofthe tab 55.

A further embodiment will be disclosed now with reference to FIGS. 55 to60, in the configuration of the mounting on a conventional arm, with aterminal U-shape part. This embodiment may also be implemented on arod-shaped arm, in that the adapter put in place is adapted to this typeof arm, as in the previous embodiment. In this embodiment, the wiper isoffset laterally relative to the arm 10 and held in position by aconnection member which is configured to this end. In contrast, thecentral mounting 2 and the adapter 5 or 5′ are identical to those of theembodiments described above.

FIGS. 55 and 56 show, respectively in a view from the front and a viewfrom the rear, a windscreen wiper mounted on a U-shaped arm in theassembled position, whilst FIG. 57 shows this wiper in the disassembledposition.

The arm 10 has a conventional shape terminated by a U-shape in which theadapter 5 described above is inserted, as appears in FIG. 60. Theadapter 5 comprises, in particular, a cylindrical housing 51 in which apivot pin may be clipped in the manner of that extending between the twoparallel lateral faces 22 of a central mounting 2. Between the adapter 5and the central mounting 2 extends an intermediate part or connectionmember 11 which receives the adapter 5 by clipping onto a second pivotpin 25′ and which is in turn clipped onto the transverse pin 25 of thecentral mounting. In this configuration, the connection member 11 isfixed relative to the wiper and the rotation of the arm and the adapter5 is carried out about the second pivot pin 25′.

The connection member 11 is described in more detail with reference toFIGS. 58 and 59. This member has the shape of two elements extendinglongitudinally and which are placed symmetrically relative to oneanother relative to a longitudinal direction. They are attached to oneanother by means of a planar central wall 111 oriented longitudinally,one being positioned at the top of this central wall, the other beingpositioned at the bottom. The first element 11 a appears open at the topwhilst the second element 11 b appears closed when viewed from the top,since it opens downwardly.

The second element 11 b forms means for connecting the member 11 to themounting, i.e. it cooperates with the mounting for the purpose of fixingthe member to the wiper. In the example shown, the second elementcomprises means for fixing which are configured to cooperate byinterlocking or resilient clipping with at least one pin of the mounting2, as will be described hereinafter.

A first central transverse plane P11 of the first element 11 a passingthrough the pin 25′ is parallel to and spaced apart from a secondcentral plane P12 parallel to the plane P11 and passing through thesecond element 11 b.

The first element has a U-shape in the transverse direction, beingformed by three planar surfaces which are perpendicular to one anotherand which extend in a longitudinal direction. From the central wall 111extends a bottom wall 112, the width thereof being approximately equal,by a lower value, to that of the aperture 21 of the central mounting 2.A third wall 113 which substantially reproduces the shape of the centralwall 111, by being mirror symmetrical relative to the central plane ofthe bottom wall, also extends upwardly from this bottom wall. Moreover,the second pivot pin 25′ is seen in the figure, said pivot pin extendingtransversely between the first and third walls 111 and 113 and ensuringthe function of the support of the adapter 5 which the pivot pin 25provided in the first or preceding embodiments. Finally, the three wallsof the first element 11 a extend longitudinally and vertically so as toreproduce substantially the shape of the aperture 21 of the centralmounting 2, so that the adapter 5 may be attached there, as it was inthe aperture of the central mounting.

The second element 11 b in turn has the function of fixing theconnection member 11 to the central mounting 2, whilst ensuring aclosure of the aperture 21 of this central mounting to improve theaerodynamics of the assembly. To achieve this, said second elementcomprises a top wall forming a capping 114 which extends from the upperedge of the central wall 111, in the direction opposing the firstelement 11 a. This capping 114 extends the upper surface of the centralmounting 2 and ensures a continuity which is both attractive andaerodynamic. This capping 114 carries a rib 115 which extendslongitudinally into the centre thereof, over its entire length and whichextends in the downward direction until it reaches a heightcorresponding to that of the transverse pivot pin 25. A cylindricalhousing 51′ is cut out from the centre of the length of this rib 115which has the purpose of receiving the pivot pin 25 of the centralmounting 2 by clipping and holding in place the connection member 11 inthe aperture 21 of the central mounting 2.

At each of its longitudinal ends, the capping 114 comprises a furthercylindrical housing 51″ which has the purpose of receiving a pin 27 ofthe central mounting 2 by interlocking or resilient clipping.

In a variant, not shown, the connection member 11 could be formed from asingle part with the central mounting 2.

With reference to FIGS. 61 to 65, a further embodiment of the inventionwill now be described. This embodiment has the purpose of adapting astreamlined flat wiper to an already existing adapter, which is adaptedto a flat wiper. The invention consists in modifying the centralmounting relative to those described above and inserting a secondconnection member between this modified central mounting and theexisting adapter, as may be seen in FIG. 61.

A central mounting 2′ which is similar to that of the precedingembodiments, except that it does not comprise a transverse pivot pin, isseen with reference to FIG. 62. The parallel lateral walls 2 a, 2 b areleveled off here to leave space for the existing adapters 50, 50′ 50″;the upper part of the central part of the central mounting 2′ thus formsa horizontal plane 22′ in which the aperture 21′ is cut out. Theexternal contour in the lower part of the second connection member 200reproduces the shape of the aperture 21′, such that after thepositioning of this second connection member, the aperture is completelysealed. Moreover, this member 200 comprises in the lower part a capping222′ which defines a horizontal plane and which is positioned in theextension of the horizontal plane 22′.

FIG. 63 shows the central part of the central mounting 2′ with itshorizontal plane 22′, the aperture 21′ being hollowed out therefrom.This aperture 21′ of rectangular shape, without said shape beingimperative, does not take the form of an undercut in the verticaldirection. It is pushed into the central mounting 2′ forming a cavity,as in the case of the central mountings of the previous embodiments,until it reaches the upper face of the longitudinal plate which extendsabove the hooks 23 supporting the member for retaining 7. Inside thiscavity, the parallel lateral faces 22 comprise vertical ribs 211′ whichtogether serve for guiding corresponding ribs 211 positioned on thesecond connection member 200.

Means for hooking the second connection member 200 are located at thelongitudinal ends of the aperture 21′. To achieve this, two femaleinterlocking stops 212′ are located on one side, said femaleinterlocking stops protruding to the inside of the aperture from each ofthe lateral faces 22 to form a retainer in the vertical direction formale means 212 positioned on the second connection member 200. Said malemeans 212 have the shape of longitudinal extensions which are positionedlaterally so as to be located opposite female interlocking stops 212′and which may be housed below said stops. These female stops 212′ andthese male means 212 have cylindrical shapes, with laterally orientedgeneratrices, so that they permit a rotation of the second connectionmember 200 in a vertical plane for its positioning on the aperture 21′.

At the other end of the aperture 21′ are located two female clippingmeans 213′ which protrude into the inside of the aperture from each ofthe lateral faces 22. These female clipping means 213′ have, in negativeshape, a cylindrical shape with a circular base, which is open upwardlyand the upper edges thereof being able to be separated from one anotherin a resilient manner. At the same time, the second connection member200 comprises, at the end opposing its interlocking means, two maleclipping means 213, the shape thereof being mirror symmetrical to thefemale clipping means 213′ of the aperture 21′. The introduction of thesecond connection member 200 in the aperture 21′ is carried out,therefore, in the following manner: the operator positions the secondconnection member 200 in the aperture 21′ by positioning it at an angleand passing the male interlocking means 212 below the femaleinterlocking means 212′, then the operator rotates the second connectionmember 200 which drives it substantially horizontally and which movesthe male clipping means 213 opposite the female clipping means 213′ andsimultaneously the ribs 211 of the second connection member 200 betweenthose 211′ of the aperture 21′. Then a vertical pressure fits the maleclipping means 213 into the female clipping means 213′ which ensures thefixing of the two parts.

Visible with reference to FIGS. 64 and 65 is the second connectionmember 200 which essentially comprises a central plate 222, the upperface thereof 222′ forming the desired continuity for the capping withthe horizontal plane 22′ of the central mounting. Lateral means forguiding 214 extend downwardly from this central plate at the centre,said means for guiding bearing the guide ribs 211 and at thelongitudinal ends, on the one hand, the male interlocking means 212 and,on the other hand, the male clipping means 213. A structure 230 forsupporting an adapter extends upwardly from the central plate. Thisstructure has substantially the shape of a parallelepiped, extendinglongitudinally in the centre of the plate over the entire lengththereof. It bears on its upper part two aligned transverse journals 235which form a pin, having the same features as the transverse pivot pin25 of the apertures 21 of the central mountings of the precedingembodiments and which may, therefore, be integrated in the cylindricalhousing 51 of the existing adapters 50, 50′, 50″. Preferably saidjournals 235 comprise a chamfered face 235 a on their upper part, inorder to facilitate their introduction into said cylindrical housing.

Now reference will be made to FIGS. 66 to 68 which show a variant of themeans for connecting, between a central mounting 2 and a terminal cap 3.

In FIG. 66, longitudinal walls are seen at the front 2 a and at the rear2 b, said walls forming the dihedron of the aerodynamic baffle of thecentral mounting 2 by being joined at a top edge 2 d, said dihedronbeing terminated longitudinally by a transverse wall 2 c which closesthe dihedron. From this transverse wall 2 c extends a finger 4 a ofsubstantially parallelepiped shape, which is traversed vertically by arecess 342 designed to receive a finger 4 b of a terminal cap 3.

The recess 342 has a generally parallelepipedal shape. It extendsbetween two substantially parallel lateral walls 306 of the finger 4 a.These walls 306 comprise opposing internal lateral faces, eachcomprising a substantially cylindrical blind hole 307 for receiving apin 308 of the finger 4 b. An upper part 309 of each wall 306 extendingbetween the blind hole 307 and the upper longitudinal edge of the finger4 a may be chamfered internally to facilitate the insertion of thefinger 4 b and its pins 308 in the recess 342.

The finger 4 a has a substantially longitudinal and vertical plane ofsymmetry.

FIG. 67 shows the finger 4 b of a terminal cap 3, said finger having inthis case a generally substantially trapezoidal shape. The large base311 of the finger 4 b is connected to the joining area between the walls3 a, 3 b. The small base of the finger defines the free end of thefinger. It thus extends toward the bottom from the inside of the topedge 3 d of the cap 3. It has a flattened shape and substantiallyextends in a substantially vertical longitudinal plane. It comprises twoexternal lateral faces on which the pins 308 protrude. The pins 308 arelocated in the vicinity of the free end of the finger 4 b. Each pin 308has a generally cylindrical shape and comprises an uppernon-half-portion which is chamfered and a lower half-portion which isbevelled or chamfered so as to facilitate the insertion thereof in therecess 342 of the finger 4 a.

The finger 4 b has a substantially longitudinal and vertical plane ofsymmetry.

The lateral faces of the pin 308 are connected on the internal facesopposite the walls 3 a, 3 b by a reinforcing rib 310 which extendssubstantially transversely. A first portion of rib 310 extends between alateral face of the finger 4 b and the wall 3 a and a second portion ofrib (not visible) extends between the other lateral face of the finger 4b and the wall 3 b.

FIG. 68 shows the cooperation of the finger 4 a of FIG. 66 with thefinger 4 b of FIG. 67. The finger 4 b is engaged in the recess 342 ofthe finger 4 a until interlocked by resilient clipping of the pins 308in the blind holes 307 of the finger 4 a. The engagement is facilitatedby the bevelled portions of the pins 308 and the chamfered parts 309 ofthe finger 4 a which may cooperate together by sliding.

In the mounted position shown in FIG. 68, the fingers 4 a, 4 b aresubstantially perpendicular. They are capable of rotating relative toone another by the cooperation of the external cylindrical surfaces ofthe pins 308 with the internal cylindrical surfaces of the holes 307.

The non-bevelled portions of the pins 308 cooperate with the blind holes307 to prevent inadvertent release of the fingers and thus of theterminal cap 3 of the mounting.

Advantageously, the streamlined portion is configured so that the forcerequired for detaching the finger 4 a of the central mounting of thefinger 4 b of the terminal cap, by releasing them from one another, isgreater than the resistance to rupture of at least one part of thestreamlined portion, as is disclosed in more detail hereinafter withreference to the variant of FIGS. 69 to 78.

Visible with reference to FIG. 69, is an end part of a terminal cap 3which differs from that described with reference to FIG. 67 essentiallyin that the finger 4 b extends in this case between two reinforcements32 a, 32 b of the type of those shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Thereinforcements 32 a, 32 b comprise intersecting walls, some of which aresubstantially longitudinal and parallel to the finger 4 b. Thereinforcements 32 a, 32 b are separated from one another in thetransverse direction by a sufficient distance in order to be able toinsert therebetween the finger 4 a, as visible in FIG. 71. Thereinforcements may contribute to the pivotable guidance of the finger 4a.

Moreover, as visible more clearly in FIGS. 71 to 74, the walls 3 a, 3 bof the terminal cap comprise thinned parts 312, i.e. parts having areduced thickness relative to the remainder of the walls. Each wall 3 a,3 b comprises in this case a thinned part 312 which has a generallylongitudinal shape and is located in the joining area between the wall 3a, 3 b and the top edge 3 d. The thinned parts 312 are joined andlocated in the vicinity of the end of the terminal cap 3 bearing thefinger 4 b.

The thinned parts 312 are in this case formed by a recess or a raisedportion of material on the lateral internal faces opposite the walls 3a, 3 b.

The thinned parts 312 permit the areas of the cap in which they arelocated to be weakened. They therefore define weakened areas in which arupture of the cap is designed to be initiated when an attempt is madeat detaching the cap from the central mounting.

It is in this sense that the streamlined portion, i.e. at least oneterminal cap and/or the central mounting, is configured so that theforce required to disengage said means for connecting of saidcomplementary means, by disuniting each other, is greater than thebreaking strength of at least the thinned part 312 constituting the capof the streamlined.

The streamlined portion is thereby equipped with means arranged so thatthe cap and/or the central mounting break before separation of thefinger 4 b of the cap relative to the finger 4 a of the centralmounting.

The finger 4 b of the terminal cap, and/or the finger 4 a of the centralmounting is from the thinned part of the streamlined portion.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 72-75, the thinned part 312 isprovided on the terminal cap 3, in the portion of the dihedron of thecap from which the finger is born 4 b. In particular, 3 d formed at themeeting edge of the front wall 3 a with the bottom wall 3 b, definingthe cap 3 thinned relatively to the rest of the cover.

Visible with reference to FIG. 70 is an end part of the central mounting2 which differs from that described with reference to FIG. 66, inparticular, in that the blind holes 307 in this case each have agenerally trapezoidal shape. The small base of each blind hole 307defines the upper end of the hole and has a generally concave curvedshape. This small base is separated from the upper longitudinal edge ofthe corresponding wall by a chamfered part 309 of the aforementionedtype. The large base of the hole 307 opens in this case on the lowerlongitudinal edge of the corresponding wall 306.

FIG. 71 shows the cooperation of the finger 4 a of FIG. 69 with thefinger 4 b of FIG. 70.

A further difference relative to the finger 4 a of the terminal cap 3 isvisible in FIGS. 76 to 78.

The lateral walls 306 of the finger 4 a each comprise a notch 313 in theregion of their upper longitudinal edges. Each notch 313 is delimited bythree surfaces: a central guide surface 313 a which is of substantiallyconvex curved shape and two lateral stop surfaces 313 b which aresubstantially planar.

The guide surface 313 a extends about the pivot pin defined by thecylindrical surface of the blind hole 307. It has in this case anangular extent which is similar to that of this cylindrical surface,which here ranges between 20 and 50° approximately.

The guide surface 313 a extends about the cylindrical surface of theblind hole and is thus located radially outside said cylindricalsurface, relative to said pin.

The stop surfaces 313 b have a substantially radial orientation relativeto this pin and form together an angle corresponding to theaforementioned angular extent. They are each connected to thelongitudinal upper edge of the corresponding wall 306 by a convex curvedportion.

It may be noted in FIG. 77, in particular, that the aforementioned upperchamfered portions 309 of the walls 306 are located on the opposingportions of the internal faces of the walls 306, extending between theblind holes 307 and the notches 313.

The guide surfaces 313 a and the stop surfaces 313 b of the walls 306are designed to cooperate respectively with the lower free edges of theportions of the reinforcing rib 310, as visible in FIG. 78. The lowerend of the rib 310 has a convex rounded shape (see FIGS. 75 and 78)which is configured to slide over the guide surface 313 a in order tocontribute to the pivoting guidance of the terminal cap 3 relative tothe central mounting 2. Moreover, to the extent that it is permitted bythe other elements of the wiper, the lower end of the rib 310 is capableof coming into abutment with the stop surfaces 313 b in order to definethe end of travel positions for the pivoting of the cap relative to thecentral mounting.

Although the above description has been made relative to the centralmounting 2 and a terminal cap 3, it naturally applies to the connectionbetween the central mounting and the other terminal cap.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 79 to 81 d which show a furtherembodiment of the invention, according to which the streamlined flatwiper according to the invention is provided with a principal baffle anda secondary baffle. More specifically, each streamlined portioncomprises a principal baffle and a secondary streamlined portion at eachof its free ends.

The principal baffle is of the type described above with reference toFIG. 1, in particular, and extends substantially over the entirelongitudinal dimension of each terminal cap 3.

To produce this baffle, the front wall 3 a of the cap 3 may, forexample, define a front surface 314 a having a cross section ofsubstantially concave curved shape, as is visible in the drawings.

This surface 314 a extends between the top edge 3 d of the cap and thelower longitudinal edge 3 e of the front wall 3 a.

According to the invention, each terminal cap 3 comprises a secondarybaffle at its free end, which here extends substantially between a freelongitudinal end of the principal baffle and the front edge 3 e. In theexample shown, the secondary baffle defines a concave curved surface 315a at the free end of the cap 3. This surface is substantially mergedwith the surface 314 a of the principal baffle, in the region of thefree end of the cap. The surface 315 a extends substantially between aterminal edge 3 f of the cap which has a substantially transverseorientation, a longitudinal end part of the top edge 3 d connected tothe upper end of the terminal edge 3 f and a longitudinal end part ofthe front edge 3 e connected to the lower end of the terminal edge 3 f.The surface 315 a comprises a hollow in the vicinity of the edge 3 f.This edge 3 f comprises a rectilinear central portion and two curved endportions, respectively for connecting to the edge 3 d and to thelongitudinal edge 3 e.

FIG. 80 enables it to be seen that the terminal edge 3 f is locatedhigher than the bottom of the hollowed portion of the surfaces 314 a,315 a which permits the upward deflection of the airflow which flowsduring operation on the wall 3 a of the cap, along the wiper.

Visible in FIGS. 81a to 81d is the evolution of the angle α formedbetween the intersection of the surface 315 a with the substantiallyvertical longitudinal planes (which are the cutting planes in thesefigures) and a substantially horizontal longitudinal plane. The angle αis substantially zero in the vicinity of the front edge 3 e and issubstantially at a maximum substantially mid-distance between the frontedge 3 e and the top edge 3 d. It varies, for example, between 0 and 30°approximately.

It is also seen in these figures that the edge 3 f is at theintersection of the face 315 a and a transverse face 315 b of the end ofthe cap 3, said faces 315 a, 315 b forming with one another an angle βof less than 90°.

FIGS. 82 and 83 show a further embodiment of the invention relating tothe surface states of the external faces of the streamlined portionaccording to the invention.

The example shown in the drawings applies to the central mounting 2 ofthe streamlined portion but could also apply to the terminal caps.

The central mounting 2 comprises substantially in its centre two lowerlateral faces 317 and two upper lateral faces 316.

The upper lateral faces 316 extend between the lateral walls 2 a and 2 bof the mounting defining the aforementioned dihedron and thus ensure acontinuity between the external faces of the walls 2 a, 2 b and, inparticular, the front lateral wall 2 a ensuring the deflection of theair during operation.

As seen in the drawings, the faces 316 have a generally rounded shape,each face 316 extending above and around a face 317.

The faces 317 are substantially parallel, whilst the faces 316 convergeupwardly.

According to the invention, the faces 316, on the one hand, and thefaces 317, on the other hand, have different surface states and, inparticular, different degrees of roughness. It will be understood bydifferent surface finish, that the composition of the material used isthe same, only the surface is concerned and has different roughness, forexample rougher to the touch of a surface finish compared to theanother.

Preferably, the faces 316 have a greater degree of roughness than thatof the faces 317, said faces thus being smoother. For example, the lowerfaces 317 have a surface state of the VDI15 type and the upper faces 316have a surface state of the VDI30 type.

The greater smoothness of the faces 317 may be desired to reveal a markby stamping or engraving, or to bond any means thereto, such as forexample an aging patch.

To obtain these differences in surface states, it is conceivable, forexample, to modify the surface state of the internal moulding faces of amould in the case where the central mounting is produced byinjection-moulding. The texturing of certain internal faces of themould, such as for example those defining the faces 316 and the externalfaces of the walls 2 a, 2 b of the mounting, will permit a mountinghaving rougher faces 316 to be obtained, for example.

FIGS. 84 and 85 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention inwhich the streamlined portion and, more particularly, the centralmounting 2 comprise means for locking which are configured to cooperatewith the stiffening member 6 in order to immobilize it in thelongitudinal direction relative to the mounting.

In the embodiment shown, the stiffening member 6, the member 7 and theblade 8 are as defined above with reference to FIG. 4, in particular,and the central mounting 2 is as defined above relative to FIG. 7, inparticular.

The central mounting 2 further comprises at its lower end means forlocking, designed to be engaged and to cooperate with the aforementionednotches 61 of the stiffening member. The means for locking comprise inthis case two elements 318 protruding over the internal lateral facesopposite the lateral walls of the mounting. Said elements 318 extendsubstantially toward one another and are substantially identical. Theyare substantially planar. They are coplanar in a substantiallyhorizontal longitudinal plane which passes substantially through thenotches 23 a of the hooks 23 of the mounting in which the stiffeningmember 6 is inserted by sliding. They each have a generally trapezoidalshape, the large base thereof being connected to the lateral wall of themounting and the large base thereof defining the free end of the elementand being designed to be engaged in one of the notches 61.

Each notch 61 is generally C-shaped or U-shaped, the lateral edgesthereof being able to cooperate by abutment with the free end of thecorresponding element 318 to limit the longitudinal displacements of thestiffening member relative to the mounting 2.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 86 and 87, which illustrate a furtherembodiment of the invention in which the streamlined portion comprisesmeans for slidable guiding which are configured to cooperate with themember 7.

This embodiment of the invention may be considered as a variant of theembodiment described above in relation to FIGS. 27 to 29, in particular.

The above description relative to FIGS. 27 to 29 therefore applies toFIGS. 86 and 87 to the extent that it does not contradict what follows.

Whatever the embodiment considered, the member for retaining 7 is asupport member which extends longitudinally along the streamlined flatwiper blade over at least a half-length thereof. In such a case, thestreamlined flat wiper blade comprises at least two members forretaining 7. Alternatively, the member for retaining 7 may extend overthe entire length of the wiper blade and thus formed a support of splineand of a single blade, made unitary or one-piece.

The terminal cap 3 comprises two lateral guide hooks 37 extending fromits vertical parts along two horizontal parts positioned opposite oneanother and which are separated by a space corresponding substantiallyto the thickness of the member for retaining 7 in this region. These twohooks 37 form means for supporting the member for retaining 7 and therectangular cut-out in the transverse wall 36 serves as a means forguiding for this member for the sliding thereof in the cap 3 when thecap 3 is articulated relative to the central mounting 2. The hooks 37are located on lateral flanges 30 of the cap, described above.

The horizontal parts of the hooks 37 comprise in this case longitudinalgrooves 319 which are open at the top and configured to receivelongitudinal ribs 320 of the member 7.

The above description relative to FIG. 8a applies to FIG. 87.

The lateral longitudinal walls of the upper tube 72 of the member 7extend in this case downwardly to form the aforementioned ribs 320 whichthus extend downwardly from the tube. They are substantially paralleland extend over the entire longitudinal dimension of the member 7. Theyare substantially parallel to the upper vertical parts of the hooks 73of the member 7.

As visible in FIG. 86, each rib 320 of the member 7 is housed in agroove 319 of a hook 37 of the cap and may slide in the longitudinaldirection in this groove. The ribs 320 may further cooperate with thelateral walls of the grooves 319 to prevent the transverse displacementsof the member 7 relative to the streamlined portion.

FIGS. 88a and 88b show a variant of the means of the streamlined portionfor the slidable guiding of the flat wiper.

The flat wiper in this case does not have a member 7 for retaining theblade 8 and the stiffening member 6. The wiper in this case comprisestwo stiffening members 6 which are coplanar and extend parallel and tothe side of one another (FIG. 88b ).

The stiffening members 6 are separated from one another by a slighttransverse clearance 333. The blade 8 comprises two longitudinal grooves332 which are coplanar on their sides and which are designed to receiveinternal longitudinal end parts of the stiffening members. Although thisis not visible, the grooves 332 define relative to one another alongitudinal strip of material of the blade 8 which is designed to behoused, in the mounted position, in the region of the aforementionedclearance 333 and to be clamped between the stiffening members 6.

The stiffening members are held in position and slidably guided due tothe hooks 37. Each stiffening member 6 has its longitudinal end partwhich opposes the aforementioned clearance 333 and which is in abutmentwith and may slide on the vertical and horizontal parts of thecorresponding hook 37.

The hooks 37 and, in particular, their vertical parts, hold in positionthe stiffening members 6 and the blade 8, preventing the stiffeningmembers from being separated from one another. The horizontal parts ofthe hooks extend below the stiffening members and their vertical partsextend to the side of the stiffening members. The blade 8 may beconfigured to act transversely upon the stiffening members 6 so thatthey bear against the hooks 37. The hooks 37 may also comprise means,such as lugs 38, for bearing at regular intervals against the stiffeningmembers.

The streamlined portion 3 is similar to those disclosed above. The endpiece 9 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 95a and95b and may differ from the end piece of these figures essentially bythe fact that it is configured to receive two stiffening members insteadof one.

This end piece 9 comprises means for locking the stiffening members suchas resiliently deformable tabs designed to cooperate by resilientclipping with the notches 334 of the ends of the stiffening members 6.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 89 to 93 which illustrate a furtherembodiment of the invention in which the streamlined portion comprisesmeans for slidable guiding which are configured to cooperate with eachend piece 9.

In this variant, each terminal cap 3 comprises means for guiding whichare similar to those described above, in particular in relation to FIGS.27 to 29, but which are in this case configured to cooperate with thecorresponding end piece 9.

The above description relative to FIGS. 27 to 29 applies, therefore, toFIGS. 89 and 93 in that it does not contradict what follows.

The means for guiding formed by the hooks 37 are in this case locatedcloser to the free end of the terminal cap 3 so as to be able tocooperate with the end piece 9.

The horizontal parts of the hooks 37 each comprise a first verticalguide edge 37 a and a second horizontal guide edge 37 b orientedupwardly (FIG. 90).

Said edges 37 a, 37 b are designed to cooperate with laterallongitudinal tracks 321 of the end piece.

The following description relative to FIG. 5, in particular, applies tothe end piece of FIGS. 89 to 93 in that it does not contradict whatfollows.

The end piece 9 comprises a means for guiding and for longitudinaldisplacement which cooperates with the streamlined portion, and inparticular with the means for guiding of the cap 3 detailed above. Thesemay be the hooks 37.

It should be noted that means 321, 321 a, 321 b for guiding and forlongitudinal displacement may be formed on the external face whichdelimits the end piece 9. By way of example, FIG. 91 shows two shoulderswhich extend longitudinally along the end piece 9 and in which the hooks37 are able to slide.

Alternatively, these guide and slide means may be provided on an innerwall delimiting the end piece 9. This wall is therefore internal, if itis within a perimeter defined by the outer wall of the end piece 9.

The end piece comprises on its lower face a longitudinal groove 322 forsliding one end of the heel of the blade 8, said groove opening into thehousing 92 b of the end piece.

The tracks 321 of the end piece extend on both sides of the groove andeach define a first substantially horizontal longitudinal surface 321 aand a second substantially vertical longitudinal surface 321 b. Eachsurface 321 a is connected by its lower longitudinal edge to the upperlongitudinal edge of the corresponding surface 321 b.

Each track 321 is connected at a free end, located on the side of theopenings of the housings 92 b, 92 c, to a substantially radial stopsurface 323 a. The stop surfaces are in this case located on anoversized end part 323 of the end piece 9, which is designed tocooperate by abutment with the hooks 37 of the terminal cap.

As visible in FIG. 91, the end piece 9 also comprises on its sidesresilient clipping means 324 which are configured to cooperate with theterminal cap 3 and, more particularly, with the hooks 37 of the cap.

The resilient clipping means 324 are in this case two in number andrespectively protrude over two external lateral faces of the end piece9. They each comprise a ramp 324 a having an inclined wall which isconfigured to cooperate by sliding with the hook 37 and, in particular,its vertical part, and a stop face 324 b which is configured tocooperate with the hook after the clipping has taken place.

The clipping means 324 are in this case substantially coplanar andlocated substantially in the centre of the end piece 9. The end piece inthis case comprises a substantially vertical central longitudinal planeof symmetry.

We understand here, that the cooperation between the end piece 9 and thestreamlined portion 2, 3, implements a terminal cap 3 which extendslongitudinally from the end piece 9 by covering thereof until thecentral mounting 2.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 94 to 98 which illustrate a furtherembodiment of the invention in which each end piece 9 is in this casehoused in a cage defined by the means of the streamlined portion and,more particularly, of the corresponding terminal cap.

The invention may for example be recognizable by the fact that thestreamlined portion, and in particular the cap 3, has an elongated shapeand extends, for example between a longitudinal end of the streamlinedflat wiper 1 and a central mounting 2. At one of its longitudinal ends,the cover includes a housing for mounting and a longitudinaldisplacement of the end piece 9 of said wiper. Such housing is areceiving area bounded in part by the longitudinal side walls 3 a and 3b of the cap 3. When installed in housing, the end piece 9 is covered bya part of the cap 3, these two assembled elements form an assembly.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the streamlinedportion comprises two terminal caps 3, and a central mounting 2 which islocalised between the two terminal caps and which comprises means 23 forattachment to a stiffening vertebra 6 of the wiper or to a member 7 forretaining of the vertebra. In such a case, each terminal cap 3 comprisesa housing at its free longitudinal end, as described above.

The above description relative to FIGS. 27 to 29 and to FIGS. 89 to 93applies to FIGS. 94 and 97 in that it does not contradict what follows.

The means for guiding comprising the hooks 37 form the first means ofthe cage 310 c for retaining the end piece 9. The hooks 37 in this caseare moved closer to the free end of the terminal cap 3. The hooks 37extend in this case perpendicular to a first traverse wall or rib 36 inthe vicinity of that disclosed with reference to FIGS. 27 to 29. Thiswall or rib 36 has a height or dimension in the vertical directionreferenced H1 which has a maximum value in the region of the lug 38.

The cage 310 c for retaining the end piece 9 is for example delimited bythe cap 3. Longitudinally, this cage 310 c is closed by first and secondlongitudinal locking means of the end piece 9.

Each of these locking means may be formed by a reinforcing rib formed inthe dihedron delimited by the front and the bottom walls of the cap.Such a reinforcing rib extends transversely to the walls 3 a and 3 b,and consists to a one piece with these walls during the moldingoperation of the cap 3.

According to another embodiment, a first transverse rib 310 b includes amedial portion 310 ba extending between the longitudinal lateral walls 3a, 3 b of the cap 3. Advantageously, the first rib 310 b continues withat least a lateral portion 310 bb. In FIGS. 96-98, there are providedtwo lateral portions 310 bb, respectively from the inner faces of thelongitudinal lateral walls 3 a, 3 b which delimit the cap 3. Accordingto an aspect of the invention, at least a portion of said lateralportions comprises 310 bb a stop surface configured to cooperate withsaid end piece 9. This is an embodiment of second stop means againstwhich the end piece 9 comes to lean.

The first and second locking means 37, 310 b, 310 bb may take a hookshape, such as those described above in connection with the reference37. Preferably, they comprise at least one pair of lateral hooks 37 in“L” shape and configured to extend from each side of said end piece, forexample facing each other and being oriented towards one another. Thesehooks 37 also form an embodiment of the first stop means against whichthe end piece is typing to limit its longitudinal displacement relativeto the cap 3.

According to an embodiment, each hook 37 comprises a substantiallyvertical part at the end of which there is a substantially horizontalportion. Thus the hook forms an L.

These horizontal portions extend toward one another. It is advantageousfor the abutment function is exclusively performed by the one or morehorizontal portions, but the invention also covers the case where theend piece comes to lean simultaneously on the one or more vertical andhorizontal portions. It should be noted that each hook 37 can beattached to each other by a bridge, also called second transverse rib 36connecting the longitudinal lateral walls 3 a, 3 b. Advantageously, thissecond rib 36 has a lower edge on which there are formed some means 38of limited support on said end piece.

The limited support terms means that the support is not achieved on alarge transverse distance of the cap 3, but instead on a discreteportion between the end piece 9 and the means of limited support 38.

As visible in FIG. 98, the cap 3 comprises in this case a longitudinalrow of a plurality of reinforcing ribs 310 a, 310 b which are similar tothose disclosed above with reference to FIG. 45, in particular.

The cap 3 comprises in this case ribs of different heights, the ribs 310a having a height H2 which is lower than the height H1 of the rib 310 bwhich in turn has a height which is close to that of the aforementionedrib or wall 36.

As visible in FIG. 96, the rib 310 b of greater height which is the ribcloser to the wall 36 comprises a central portion 310 ba which connectsthe internal lateral faces of the walls 3 a, 3 b of the cap and lateralportions 310 bb which are at least partially located on theaforementioned internal faces of the walls 3 a, 3 b.

The height of these ribs is measured along a line perpendicular to anedge or free edge of the respective rib, passing through the top 3 cformed by the junction of the longitudinal lateral walls 3 a, 3 b.

As visible in FIG. 97, one of the lateral portions 310 bb of the rib 310b, in this case that connected to the wall 3 b of the cap, extendssubstantially opposite the end piece 9 and forms an additional meansdefining said cage 310 c.

The end piece 9 may come into abutment on the transverse face of theportion 310 bb oriented on the side of the free end of the cap and onthe horizontal parts of the hooks 37 (see FIG. 94).

The above description relative to FIG. 5 and to FIGS. 89 to 93, inparticular, applies to the end piece of FIGS. 94 to 98 in that it doesnot contradict that which follows.

The end piece 9 comprises the housing 92 a which is configured toreceive an end of the stiffening member 6, and the housing 92 b isconfigured to receive an end of the blade 8 and a lower groove openinginto the housing 92 b.

As visible in FIG. 95a , the housing 92 a does not open onto the side ofthe lower face of the end piece (onto which the slot 322 opens). Thehousing 92 a is thus closed on the side of the lower face of the endpiece 9.

The housing 92 a is open on the side of the upper face of the end piece.The end piece 9 comprises on this upper face two openings 325 which areelongated and parallel and which communicate with the housing 92 a.

A protruding tab 326 for locking the stiffening member 6 is located ineach opening 325. Each tab is resiliently deformable and is configuredto cooperate by resilient clipping with a terminal notch of thestiffening member 6, visible in FIG. 6.

The end piece 9 further comprises in each opening 325, protrudingelements 327 for centring and guiding the stiffening member 6.

The openings 325 extend in this case on both sides of a strip ofmaterial 328 which defines said upper face of the end piece 9 and whichcomprises at least one protruding element 329 for guiding the end piece.This element 329 is configured to cooperate by sliding with the lug 38of the wall 36.

The stop surface 323 a of the end piece 9 disclosed above is configuredto cooperate with the hooks 37, as visible in FIG. 94 and it is the freeend of the end piece, the housings 92 a, 92 b opening in the regionthereof, which is designed to cooperate with the aforementioned lateralportion 310 bb of the rib 310 b.

It is conceivable to produce the end piece 9 of FIGS. 94 to 95 b, or anyother end piece disclosed in the present application, in a resilientmaterial so that it is resiliently deformable. This feature may bedesired so that the end piece may be mounted on the stiffening member 6,in particular by resilient deformation.

With reference to FIG. 94, it is thus conceivable to provide alongitudinal groove 370, shown by dashed lines, in the transverse wallof the end piece which separates the housings 92 a, 92 b. The groove 370would open into said housings and would permit a separation of thelongitudinal end parts of the end piece, extending on both sides of thegroove, by resilient deformation.

In this case, after the mounting of the end piece 9, said end piecewould be locked in the mounted position by means of the terminal cap 3and, in particular, its hooks 37 which would prevent a deformation andinadvertent separation of the end piece during use.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 99a to 100b which show variants in whichthe wiper is provided with means facilitating the dismantling of theblade 8 for the purpose of the replacement thereof in the case of wear,for example.

The above description relative, in particular, to the terminal caps 3,the end pieces 9, the member 7 and the blade 8 apply to these variants.

In the variant shown in FIGS. 99a and 99b , it is seen that thesubstantially horizontal parts opposite the lower hooks 73 of the member7 delimit relative to one another a groove 330 in which a part of theblade 8 may slide and is mounted.

According to the invention, the member 7 comprises an opening 331 whichis connected to the groove 330 and which permits the passage of the heel81 of the blade 8. In the example shown, the opening 331 is located atone longitudinal end of the member 7 and returns to an oversized portionin the transverse direction of the groove 330. The member 7 may comprisean opening 331 at each of its longitudinal ends, although this is notnecessary. The opening 331 has a generally rectangular shape. Theopening 331 and the groove 330 are substantially coplanar. The opening331 in this case has a width or transverse dimension which is greaterthan that of the heel 81.

In the other variant shown in FIGS. 100a and 100b , it is the end piece9 which comprises an opening 331 which is connected to the groove 321and which permits the passage of the heel 81 of the blade 8. In theexample shown, the opening 331 is located at one longitudinal end of theend piece 9 and returns to an oversized portion in the transversedirection of the groove 221. The opening 331 in this case has a width ortransverse dimension which is greater than that of the heel 81.

As seen in FIG. 100b and disclosed hereinafter with relation to FIG. 94,the transverse wall for separating the housings 92 a, 92 b of the endpiece is slotted. This wall comprises a longitudinal groove 370 which issubstantially aligned in the vertical direction with the aforementionedgroove 322 and which is configured to permit a resilient deformation ofthe end piece according to the arrows, by separation of the longitudinalend parts of the end piece 9, extending on both sides of the groove 370.

As visible in FIGS. 99b and 100a a method for dismantling the wiperblade 8 of a wiper according to the invention may comprise the stepsconsisting in:

a) sliding one longitudinal end of the heel 81 of the blade 8 in thehousing 92 a of the end piece 9 or in that defined by the hooks 73 ofthe member 7, until it is located in the region of the opening 331, atleast one part of the blade thus being compressed in the longitudinaldirection,

b) removing this end of the heel 81 from the housing, via the opening331, then

c) completely removing the blade from said housing via the opening.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 101 to 103 which show a variant and, inparticular, a variant of the embodiments described above with referenceto FIGS. 9 to 19, the description thereof applying in this case in thatit does not contradict what follows.

The finger 4 is designed to be inserted between the reinforcements 32 a,32 b in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe finger. The finger comprises on its lateral faces two apertures 41 awhich, in contrast to those of FIG. 9, are here substantially horizontaland extend substantially between the end free face 44 of the finger 4and the orifice 41. These apertures 41 a are designed to receive andguide the journals 31 a, 31 b during the mounting of the finger in theaforementioned direction. The face 44 is chamfered here to facilitatethis mounting.

The variant of the invention shown in FIGS. 104 and 105 may be used incombination with the variant of FIGS. 101 to 103, or separately.

The streamlined portion and, in particular, each terminal cap 3 in thiscase is similar to that disclosed above, with reference to FIGS. 89 to93, in particular, and comprises means for guiding designed to cooperatewith the end piece 9.

The above description relative to FIGS. 89 to 93 applies, therefore, inthis case in that it does not contradict what follows.

The end piece 9 differs from that disclosed above, in particular, inthat its overthickness 323 in this case is axially remote from itslongitudinal ends. The tracks 321 of the end piece extend in this casebetween the overthickness and the free end of the end piece, thehousings for receiving the stiffening member and the blade 8 opening inthe region thereof.

The stop surfaces 323 a of the overthickness, designed to cooperate withthe hooks 37 of the terminal cap 3, are in this case oriented on theside of said free end of the end piece. This cooperation permits thepath of the end piece to be limited in the longitudinal direction, onthe side opposing the free end of the cap 3. When this variant isassociated with that of FIGS. 101 to 103, it enables the journals 31 a,31 b to be prevented from Leaving the orifice 41 of the finger 4.

As visible in FIG. 106, the hooks 37 of each terminal cap 3 are notnecessarily perfectly symmetrical relative to a substantially verticalcentral longitudinal plane. In the example shown, the hook of the wall 3a has a longitudinal dimension which is greater than that of the hook ofthe wall 3 b.

The variant of FIG. 106 also shows a further embodiment of the inventionwhich is also illustrated by the following FIGS. 107 and 108.

According to this embodiment, at least one of the lower or internalfaces of the walls 2 a, 2 b, 3 a, 3 b of the streamlined portioncomprises a groove 340 a and/or 340 b which is configured to permit themounting and/or the sliding of an element of the wiper or an element forsupporting the wiper.

When the groove is provided in the central mounting 2, it is calledfirst groove 340 a. Similarly, when the groove is formed in a or theterminal cap 3 it is called second groove 340 b, without however bedependent of the firstly character of the first groove.

In the case of FIGS. 106 and 108, at least a terminal cap 3 comprises asecond groove 340 b for receiving and sliding one part of the end piece9 designed to be associated with the cap.

Each second groove 340 b has a substantially longitudinal orientation.It is located on the internal face of the wall 3 a. In FIG. 106, itextends substantially between a hook 37 and the free end of the cap. InFIG. 107, it is shown schematically by a rectangle in dashed lines andextends from the rib 310 b (described above) in the direction of the endof the cap designed to be connected to the mounting. The second groove340 b of FIG. 108 is located between the aforementioned parts 310 ba,310 bb of the rib 310 b.

In the case of FIG. 107, the central mounting 2 comprises at least afirst groove 340 a at each of its longitudinal ends, on the internalface of its wall 2 a. These first grooves 340 a are designed to receiveparts of an element 341 used to straighten the bend of the wiper whichis schematically shown by the dashed lines.

The element 341 is, for example, a straightedge which permits the wiperto be raised and to limit its curvature, in order to facilitate itsassembly. It protects the rubber blade too. It may be kept in thestorage and display packaging of the wiper but it is naturally removedbefore mounting on a vehicle.

Each first groove 340 a has a substantially longitudinal orientation. Itextends substantially between a longitudinal end of the mounting 2 and areinforcing rib 310. The first grooves 340 a of the mounting 2 aresubstantially aligned. They extend in this case substantially in asubstantially horizontal longitudinal plane passing through the lowerfree ends of the walls 2 b of the mounting. This plane passessubstantially through the lower free ends of the transverse walls 2 c ofthe mounting.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 109a to 109i which illustrate the stepsof mounting a streamlined flat windscreen wiper according to theinvention, the different parts thereof having been described above.

According to a first step, noted d) the blade 8 is mounted on the member7 by inserting and sliding its heel 81 between the hooks 73 of themember (FIG. 109a ).

According to a second step, noted c) the central mounting 2 is mountedon the member 7 so that its hooks 23 engage in the notches 71 of thetube 72 of the member and that its grooves 23 a are coplanar to theinternal housing of the tube 72 (sub-step c1—FIGS. 109 and 109 c), thenthe stiffening member 6 is inserted by longitudinal sliding in theaforementioned housing of the tube 72 and into the grooves 23 a of thehooks of the mounting 2, which ensures the retention of the mountingrelative to the stiffening member and vice versa (sub-step c2—FIGS. 109dand 109e ).

According to a further step, noted a) the end pieces 9 are mounted onthe stiffening member 6 (FIG. 1090. They may be mounted simultaneouslyin an automated manner.

According to a further step noted b), the terminal caps 3 are mounted onthe end pieces 9 and the central mounting 2 (FIGS. 109g to 109i ). Toachieve this, each terminal cap is shown as seen in FIGS. 109g and 109hso as to engage the corresponding end piece 9 in the free longitudinalend of the cap (sub-step b1). The cap 3 is then inclined relative to thestiffening member, in particular. The opposing longitudinal end of thecap 3 is then folded down toward the mounting 2 so that the fingers 4 a,4 b or the means for connecting the cap to the mounting cooperatetogether and are assembled so as to form the articulation between thecap and the mounting. Said sub-steps are carried out for each cap 3.

It is the cooperation of the means for connecting, such as theengagement and interlocking of the fingers 4 a, 4 b with one another,which ensures the locking of the assembly. The wiper is preferably ofthe undetachable type as explained above.

The method of mounting may comprise a preliminary step consisting insubjecting the stiffening member to stress so that it has asubstantially rectilinear shape during at least some of theaforementioned steps. This preliminary step may be implemented by meansof the aforementioned support element 341 of FIG. 107.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 110 to 114 which show several variants inwhich the streamlined flat wiper 1 is provided with means for heatingand/or means for fluid distribution.

FIGS. 110 and 111 show the means for the electrical supply 350 of themeans for heating the wiper, which here comprise electrical wires whichextend along the drive arm 10 of the wiper and are connected to themeans for heating the wiper. These figures also show the means for thesupply of fluid 360 to the means for fluid distribution of the wiper,which comprise in this case flexible tubes and/or channels which eitherextend along the drive arm 10 of the wiper (FIG. 110) or are integratedor mounted on one of the end pieces 9 of the wiper, said means 360 beingconnected to the means for fluid distribution of the wiper 1.

FIG. 112 shows an embodiment of the means for heating 351 which comprisea track of an electrical conductor made of resistive material. The meansfor heating 351 in this case are carried by the stiffening member 6 andare located on the upper longitudinal face thereof. They may beconnected to the aforementioned electrical wires by means of connectorslocated substantially in the centre of the wiper.

Alternatively, an embodiment may consist in that the means for heating351, comprising at least one track of an electrically conductiveresistive material, are localised on the lower longitudinal side of thespline 6. The term lower longitudinal side corresponds to the sidefacing the back of the heel 81 of the wiping blade 8.

FIGS. 113 and 114 show an embodiment of the means for fluid distribution352 which here comprise two spray lines for spraying fluid such aswindscreen washer fluid on the window of a vehicle (FIG. 114). The spraylines respectively extend from the two sides of the wiper and compriseorifices for spraying onto the window. The reference 353 denotes thearea of impact of the liquid on the window.

The spray lines in this case are carried by the member 7 and may befixed to the member, such as on the sides of its tube, or formed in onepiece with the member.

FIGS. 115 and 116 show a variant of the embodiment of the inventiondisclosed above in relation to FIGS. 79 to 81 d.

The above description made with reference to FIGS. 79 to 81 d, thusapplies to this variant in that it does not contradict what follows.

A second baffle is in this case carried by each end piece 9 which bearsa streamlined element 360. This streamlined element 360 defines a freeend part of the streamlined portion of the wiper and thus replaces thefree end part of the corresponding terminal cap. The streamlined element360 is thus identical to the free end part of the terminal cap 3disclosed above, and comprises an end portion of the top edge 3 d, anend portion of the lower longitudinal edge 3 e of the wall 3 a of thecap, in addition to the terminal edge 3 f which connects the edge 3 d tothe edge 3 e and which defines a second baffle.

The streamlined element 360 may be connected and fixed to the end piece9 or formed in one piece therewith. The end piece 9 is similar to thatdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 95a and 95b , in particular. Thestreamlined element 360 in this case is located on the longitudinal endof the end piece, opposing the openings of the housings of the endpiece.

The terminal cap 3 comprises guide hooks 37, similar to those describedabove, which cooperate with the tracks 321 of the end piece 9 and whichextend here between the overthickness 323 and the streamlined element360. The hooks 37 of the cap 3 may cooperate by abutment, on the onehand, with the aforementioned stop surfaces 323 a and, on the otherhand, with the transverse faces opposing the streamlined element 360.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A terminal cap for a streamlined flatwindscreen wiper for a vehicle, comprising: a slidable guide configuredto cooperate with a longitudinal member for retaining a wiper blade ofthe wiper, wherein said slidable guide comprises two substantiallyL-shaped lateral hooks, which are configured to extend on each side ofsaid member, each hook comprising a substantially vertical part, thelower end thereof being connected to a substantially horizontal partextending on the side of the other of the two hooks, and the verticalpart of each hook comprising a lug against said member, a free end ofthe lug being configured to cooperate with said member, wherein upperends of the vertical parts of the hooks are connected together by anupper wall comprising the lug having a generally rounded shape.
 2. Thecap according to claim 1, wherein the lug has a generally rounded shape.3. The cap according to claim 1, wherein the lug is substantiallylocated in the centre of the vertical part of each hook.
 4. The capaccording to claim 1, wherein the hooks, and an upper wall, are definedby a transverse wall of the cap.
 5. The cap according to claim 1,further comprising a substantially dihedral shape in section andcomprises two longitudinal walls which are connected together and definerelative to one another a housing for mounting said member.
 6. The capaccording to claim 5, wherein a transverse wall connects the twolongitudinal walls of the cap.
 7. The cap according to claim 6, whereinthe transverse wall is a stiffening wall of the cap.
 8. An assemblycomprising a cap according to claim 1 and the longitudinal member forretaining a wiper blade which is slidably mounted between the hooks ofthe cap.
 9. A streamlined flat windscreen wiper for a vehicle,comprising a cap according to claim
 1. 10. A terminal cap for astreamlined flat windscreen wiper for a vehicle, comprising: a slidableguide configured to cooperate with a longitudinal member for retaining awiper blade of the wiper, wherein said slidable guide comprises twosubstantially L-shaped lateral hooks, configured to extend on each sideof said member, each hook comprising a substantially vertical part, thelower end thereof being connected to a substantially horizontal partextending on the side of the other of the two hooks, and the verticalpart of each hook comprising a lug against said member, a free end ofthe lug being configured to cooperate with said member, wherein upperends of the vertical parts of the hooks are connected together by anupper wall comprising the lug located substantially in the centre of theupper wall.